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AI’s Future Depends on the Accessibility of Data: APEC Roundtable
Issued by the Data for Growth High-Level RoundtableMinisters and senior representatives at the Data for Growth High-Level Roundtable in Chengdu on Saturday highlighted the growing importance of data as a driver of innovation, productivity and growth, calling for deeper collaboration to unlock its potential across the Asia-Pacific.
Opening the roundtable, Liu Liehong, Administrator of China's National Data Administration said data has become a foundational resource and an engine of innovation reshaping how economies produce, govern and grow.
“Data is opening new spaces for economic and social development, it is already deeply integrated in scientific research, public services and infrastructures,” Liu said. “The value of data keeps expanding but how to harness it to empower development and benefit our people is a common task for all of us.”
“Strengthening exchange and cooperation around data for growth will help further enrich APEC’s digital economy cooperation,” he added.
Discussions highlighted the need to make data more accessible while ensuring it is used responsibly, recognizing that high-quality data has become an essential resource for an economy increasingly powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
“The ways in which data resources are developed and used are diverse, and no single model is applicable to all economies. Open exchange can enhance understanding, experience-sharing can promote mutual learning, and practical cooperation can deliver win-win outcomes,” Liu added.
Discussions underscored the importance of interoperable data governance in giving businesses more confidence to use and share data. When data is integrated into business models and decision-making in a secure and responsible manner, ministers highlighted how it can increase efficiency, creativity and competitiveness.
Rather than identical rules, speakers called for different systems to work together securely as data moves across the region, delivering faster trade and more resilient supply chains.
“Advancing data for growth should become an important direction for the future joint efforts of APEC economies. As digital technologies continue to develop, data-related issues have moved beyond any single field and increasingly span innovation, industry, trade, logistics, public services and many other areas,” Liu emphasized.
Participants also highlighted practical work on sharing public data to deliver benefits for businesses and society. Weather data was one key example, when integrated with predictive AI models, it can help farmers protect crops, logistics operators prepare for disruptions and emergency services respond faster.
“Data creates value, and cooperation unlocks potential. Today’s roundtable is not the end of a discussion, but a new starting point for APEC to deepen exchange and cooperation around data for growth to strengthen policy communication and share the benefits of the digital era,” Liu concluded.
For further details and media inquiries, please contact:
media@apec.org
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This news release can also be viewed on the APEC website: https://www.apec.org/press/
