Digital Trade, AI and Online Safety in Focus at Asia-Pacific Policy Discussion

APEC economies met in Guangzhou this week to confront a set of digital policy challenges that are increasingly shaping trade, productivity and social outcomes worldwide, from the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence to the expansion of cross-border digital commerce and growing concerns over online safety.

Meeting as part of the first APEC Senior Officials' Meeting and Related Meetings of the year, delegates exchanged views on how economies can respond to fast-moving technological change while maintaining open markets, strengthening trust in digital systems and ensuring that the benefits of digitalization are widely shared.

"As digital technologies transform trade, productivity and daily life at a rapid pace, we need to ensure that innovation is supported by clear, practical and trusted policy frameworks," said Ichwan Makmur Nasution, Chair of the APEC Digital Economy Steering Group.

"Open dialogue and constructive engagement remain essential as economies navigate rapid digital change," Nasution said. "By sharing experiences and increase cooperation, economies can develop more effective responses and help shape a resilient, forward-looking digital future for the Asia-Pacific."

Discussions focused on advancing cooperation under the APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap, including policies to support digital trade, improve interoperability across digital systems and promote innovation while managing the risks of digital transformation.

Policy dialogues formed the backbone of the meeting, reflecting the growing need for practical, experience-based cooperation as digital technologies evolve faster than regulatory frameworks.

One dialogue examined the rise of new e-commerce models such as live-streaming and social commerce, with economies and industry participants discussing how these models are reshaping cross-border trade, creating new opportunities for small businesses and raising questions around consumer protection and market oversight.

Another dialogue addressed the accelerating adoption of artificial intelligence, with discussions centered on building digital resilience and strengthening AI-related capabilities across society. Delegates shared approaches to skills development, education and public awareness, and considered how cooperation can help economies prepare workers, businesses and institutions for the economic and social impacts of AI.

As digital engagement deepens across the region, delegates also exchanged views on children's safety and wellbeing in online environments, exploring emerging policy responses to risks such as harmful content and online exploitation, alongside efforts to preserve the benefits of digital access for learning and creativity.

In parallel, economies shared experiences on measuring digital trade, highlighting the importance of reliable data to inform policy decisions as digital transactions become a larger part of economic activity.

"Today, as a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation unfolds, the digital economy has become a pivotal driver of growth, social inclusion and sustainable development, and a key pillar of APEC cooperation," said Qi Xiaoxia of Cyberspace Administration of China, in her opening remarks at the meeting.

Looking ahead, China, as host economy, outlined plans to advance regional digital cooperation through a series of proposed initiatives, including APEC Digital Week activities later in 2026. While still under discussion, these initiatives are intended to provide additional platforms for economies to deepen cooperation on digital transformation, artificial intelligence and data-driven growth.