Finance Ministers Issue Joint Statement

APEC Finance ministers issued a joint statement at the conclusion of their meeting in Incheon. The meeting was chaired by Dr Koo, Yun Cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea, held under the theme “Innovation, Finance and Fiscal Policy for Sustainable Growth”.

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040 and endorsed a new roadmap, the Incheon Plan, which will guide the APEC Finance Ministers’ Process over the next five years. The roadmap is structured around four pillars: innovation, finance, fiscal policy, and access and opportunity for all. It aims to promote innovation and digital adoption, enhance financial system efficiency and resilience, strengthen fiscal frameworks and transparency, and ensure inclusive access to finance and economic opportunities.

Ministers noted that while the global economy has shown resilience, uncertainty persists. They emphasized flexible and credible macroeconomic policies, effective public spending, and appropriately calibrated fiscal policy to bolster economic resilience.

Recognizing that innovation-driven productivity growth is a key driver of economic growth in the APEC region, ministers emphasized close collaboration among governments, the private sector, and stakeholders to foster innovation and support the artificial intelligence ecosystem through appropriate incentives, as well as strengthen skills and talents. Ministers also highlighted the importance of responsible fiscal oversight to sustain long-term growth and resilience and recognized the role of public-private partnerships and quality expenditure in infrastructure and public service delivery.

Read the 2025 APEC Finance Ministers’ Joint Statement

Read the 2025 APEC Finance Ministers’ Process Roadmap, Incheon Plan

Also read the Chair’s Statement on the 2025 APEC Finance Ministers Meeting