From semiconductor titans to clean-energy pioneers, this year's APEC in Korea will bring together some 1,700 CEOs and executives from 21 economies.
While trade talks between the U.S. and China are likely to dominate headlines, businesses are preparing to capitalize on the gathering in one of the world's most digital-savvy, high-tech manufacturing hubs.
Hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the APEC CEO Summit runs from Oct. 28 to 31 under the slogan "Bridge, Business, Beyond." It serves as the region's premier platform for industry diplomacy — where innovation and investment often move faster than politics.
Who's coming, what's on the table
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, making his first official visit to Korea in 15 years, will deliver a keynote on Oct. 31, sharing his outlook for artificial intelligence and robotics. He is expected to meet Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-young and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won to discuss cooperation on high-bandwidth memory and AI chips.
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son is also expected, though not yet confirmed. His attendance could advance talks on large-scale AI infrastructure and investment. Huang and Chey have been collaborating on the StarGate Project — a mega-scale AI alliance linking SK Group, NVIDIA, SoftBank, and OpenAI. If schedules align, Gyeongju could see a rare three-way meeting among Huang, Chey, and Son.
Top executives from Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, Johnson & Johnson, and international bodies such as the OECD, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank will also attend.
Korean conglomerates step up
For South Korea's major groups, APEC doubles as both a business fair and a showcase of soft power.
Hanwha Group will stage a massive fireworks-and-drone gala over Bomun Lake on Oct. 31, featuring 50,000 fireworks and 2,000 drones.
Hyundai Motor Group will provide 192 official vehicles, including hydrogen-powered buses and Genesis sedans, for visiting leaders.
LG Group is running global APEC ad campaigns across Seoul, New York, and London, while LG Uplus handles on-site telecom networks. Lotte Group oversees hotels, catering, and cruise lodging.
Samsung Electronics plans to unveil its new tri-fold smartphone, underscoring next-generation display leadership, and SK Group will host the FutureTech Forum AI, where Chey Tae-won will present Korea's AI ecosystem strategy.
According to organizers, 66 Korean companies are sponsoring or supporting the summit.
APEC boost: who stands to gain
Sectors tied to semiconductors, batteries, and infrastructure stand to benefit directly from APEC momentum.
Discussions on AI and data infrastructure are expected to favor SK hynix and Samsung Electronics, key suppliers to global cloud firms. SK hynix shares have jumped 41.5 percent over the past month — from 357,500 won ($260) to 506,000 won ($367) — while Samsung Electronics gained 15.8 percent, from 85,400 won ($62) to 98,900 won ($72).
Hyundai Motor and Kia rose 16 percent and 11 percent respectively in the same period, buoyed by expectations of clean-mobility and hydrogen cooperation.
According to KCCI and Deloitte, the APEC events could generate an economic impact of 7.4 trillion won ($5.3 billion) and create about 22,000 new jobs — leaving a long-term mark on both Korea's global business diplomacy and its innovation brand.
reporter
Cheon Soram
cheons@ajupress.com
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