Global leaders urge economic resilience and open trade at APK 2026

At the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2026) in Seoul, government and industry leaders from South Korea and Germany emphasized the need to strengthen economic security without resorting to protectionism.

South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan warned that efforts to reduce economic vulnerabilities should not lead to isolation, stating, “Economic security should not become an excuse for economic isolation.” He argued that export-driven economies must balance resilience with market openness.

Philippine Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan also addressed the importance of regional integration during the forum. He noted that nations should resist turning inward amid geopolitical tensions and instead build capacity through trade, investment, and international cooperation.

Balisacan highlighted that future growth will depend on emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, digital services, and the green transition. He stressed that capitalizing on these shifts requires significant investment in infrastructure, innovation, and workforce skills.