Economies Deepen ICT Cooperation as Artificial Intelligence Adoption Accelerates

APEC economies met in Shanghai this week as governments worked to strengthen information and communications technology (ICT) cooperation amid the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), rising cyber risks and growing demands for stronger digital connectivity.

Opening the Telecommunications and Information Working Group meeting, Vice Minister Xiong Jijun of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said digital and AI technologies are increasingly reshaping economies and regional cooperation across the Asia-Pacific.

“Digital and intelligent technologies, represented by AI, are profoundly reshaping the global development landscape and fundamentally changing the way people work and live,” Vice Minister Xiong said.

He highlighted China’s priorities of openness, innovation and cooperation for the APEC host year, emphasizing the importance of strengthening digital connectivity and regional cooperation as economies accelerate the adoption of AI and digital technologies.

“We advocate removing barriers through openness, accelerating the interoperability and mutual certification of technical standards, and deepening connectivity of digital infrastructure,” Vice Minister Xiong said.

“We advocate empowering development through innovation, jointly exploring cutting-edge innovations in digital and AI technologies, and promoting the application of digital and AI to boost economic and social development.”

Officials exchanged updates on recent telecommunications and ICT policy and regulatory developments, including digital infrastructure, online safety, interoperability and cloud technologies.

“ICT and digital technologies, such as AI, are becoming deeply embedded into our everyday lives, reshaping our socio-economic fabric. APEC economies face new opportunities as well as challenges to leverage these technologies for the benefit of the people in the region” said Dr Hayun Kang, Co-Chair of the APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group.

“The discussions at this working group provide the foundation for strengthening ICT and digital cooperation and capacity building among member economies, assisting their efforts to create new opportunities for innovation, inclusion and better public services.

Officials further reviewed ongoing APEC projects covering areas such as ICT resilience, digital transformation in small and medium enterprises, AI applications, digital inclusion for older persons, cloud technologies and Universal Acceptance capacity building.

“Realizing our shared vision of an APEC region where all people have affordable access to the internet is increasingly essential to economic and social development,” said Clare Spring, Co-Chair of the APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group.