APEC 2025 Kicks Off in the ROK 🚀
As APEC leaders gather in the Republic of Korea, all eyes are on the booming trade partnership between the Chinese mainland and the ROK. These two economic powerhouses are rewriting the rules of regional growth, fueling innovation and stability across the Asia-Pacific.
Trade by the Numbers 📊
In 2024, bilateral import/export between the Chinese mainland and the ROK hit US$272.91 billion—a 2% jump year on year! The ROK sent US$133.04 billion worth of goods to the Chinese mainland (up 6.6%), while bringing in US$139.87 billion (down 2.1%).
Investing in the Future 💡
ROK’s direct investment in the Chinese mainland reached US$1.93 billion (up 2.1%), totaling US$95.62 billion since inception. Meanwhile, investment from the Chinese mainland into the ROK soared to US$5.79 billion in 2024—a whopping 266% increase!
What's Next? 🌐
In April 2025, negotiators met in Beijing for the 11th round of the Chinese mainland-ROK Free Trade Agreement talks, focusing on service trade, finance and investment. Both sides aim to deepen cooperation and build trust across the Yellow Sea. 🤝
The Chinese premier Li Qiang and President Yoon Suk-yeol have stressed the importance of being "neighbors of mutual trust" and "partners of mutual achievement," setting the stage for a sound and steady development of relations.
From semiconductors to smart cars, this dynamic duo is shaping the future of APEC. Stay tuned for more updates on how these trade ties will keep powering your tech, lifestyle and the global economy! 🌏✨
Reference(s):
Driving forces: Robust China-ROK trade ties power APEC forward
cgtn.com
