Automotive Dialogue

The APEC Automotive Dialogue (AD) is a forum where APEC officials and senior auto industry representatives work together to map out strategies for increasing the integration and development of the automotive sector within the region. The AD aims to become the leading regional fora on new vehicle technology in the Asia-Pacific. To do so the AD:

• Holds discussions on trade and policy issues and make recommendations for policymakers (trade, transport, and energy)
• Develops capacity building workshops to upskill policymakers and industry participants on the best practices required to navigate the transition to new vehicles
• Commissions evidence-based reports and policy tool kits for members to develop policy frameworks to support the adoption of new vehicle technologies and associated infrastructure.

Key Policy Recommendations of the AD in 2024

In order to achieve and contribute to the Putrajaya Vision 2040 and the Aotearoa Action Plan; and based on the challenges related to the automotive sector of the economies; it is deemed necessary to develop a Roadmap based on the following approaches:

1. Resilient EV Supply Chain in the APEC Region

Identifying complementary sources to improve the predictability of supply chains and nearshoring

• Developing strategies to integrate supply and demand between APEC members, especially focusing on the inclusion of emerging economies.
• Promoting cooperation in research and innovative technological development to reduce supplier gaps and improve quality and efficiency.
• Facilitating cooperation for the development of professional training in the automotive industry, according to trends related to electromobility.

2. Circular Economy and Sustainability

• Promoting transparency and predictability by creating a unified repository of standards for circularity and sustainability related to the automotive sector.
• Fostering decarbonization solutions by increasing the use of renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency.
• Encouraging the reuse and recycling of certified components and parts within the automotive sector through the development of a reverse value chain for internal combustion engines (ICE), electric vehicles (EV), battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).

3. Regulatory Framework

• Fostering harmonization of vehicle regulations within the APEC region, by promoting international standards alignment with the latest scientific, technical and economic information. 
• Encouraging administrative simplification by streamlining administrative processes within authorities related to the automotive sector, in order to promote formalization and development.
• Supporting regulatory gap analysis by comparing regulatory frameworks between economies to create a dynamic and standardized regulatory framework.
• Developing a program of economic and non-economic incentives to foster solutions in emerging mobility trends.

4. Connectivity and Transport Infrastructure

• Enhancing infrastructure and connectivity solutions which fully acknowledge the special needs and requirements for all the users especially rural citizens, the disabled and women
• Establish strategies to attract investments that enhance connectivity and infrastructure for electric vehicles (EV) and electric mobility, supported by an enabling regulatory framework
• Recommending and promoting the use of autonomous and electric vehicles as connectivity logistics solutions within multimodal transportation corridors
• Developing standards to establish robust cybersecurity and data protection protocols
• Promoting alliances and initiatives to support the transformation and transition towards the development of smart cities
  

Background

The AD was established in recognition of the crosscutting nature of the automotive industry and of the broad benefits to many economies of trade liberalization and facilitation in this sector. It allows the public and private sectors to work together to improve policy development, to identify barriers to growth and to develop effective cooperation mechanisms for APEC economies to address and reduce impediments.

The AD engages participants in cooperative efforts to foster the growth and development of the regional auto industry and to provide actionable recommendations to APEC ministers and leaders.

Guided by the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, Aotearoa Plan of Action, APEC Connectivity Blueprint, APEC 2022 Leaders’ Declaration, and Bangkok Goals, the AD continues to discuss trade and trade-related regulatory issues affecting the competitiveness and sustainable development of the automotive industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

The dialogue will continue to focus its discussion on market access, including free trade agreements, tax structure and regimes, and non-tariff measures; trade and business facilitation; harmonization of standards and regulations; new technologies; and economic and technical cooperation related to the automotive industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

Events

The 39^th AD meeting was held  on 9-10 May 2024 in Arequipa, and the 40^th AD on 18-19 August in Lima, Peru. Various topics on auto industry were discussed including global and regional supply chain of electric vehicles and battery, post-pandemic auto industry and market updates, the use of artificial intelligence in connected autonomous vehicles, challenges and opportunities in the use of alternative energy sources such as green hydrogen/lithium, and technical regulation/standards on the automotive sector etc. 

The group is due to hold its 41^st AD meeting on 9-10 May 2025 in Jeju, Korea during SOM2. For information on this event, please contact the AD program director. 

Last page update: March 2025

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