By Berk Kutay Gokmen
ISTANBUL (AA) – The leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member states on Saturday adopted a summit declaration recognizing cultural and creative industries as a “growth driver” for the region.
The declaration came after the 21 APEC nations concluded their two-day summit in the South Korean city of Gyeongju, Yonhap News reported.
The declaration outlined APEC's key priorities, ranging from trade and investment to digital innovation and inclusive growth amid growing uncertainties in the international economy, all under the theme "Connectivity, Innovation, and Prosperity."
For the first time, the declaration acknowledged cultural and creative industries as a growth driver for the Asia-Pacific region.
In addition to the main declaration, the 21 member state leaders approved two separate documents, one on member states' commitment to collaborate on an AI initiative and another addressing demographic changes, both championed by South Korea.