APEC finance ministers reach consensus on AI and digital financing and on global rebalancing in Hong Kong

Summary

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) finance chiefs reached a consensus on economic policy coordination and on cooperation over financing technology and artificial intelligence at a two-day finance ministers' meeting in Hong Kong, according to China's finance minister, Lan Foan. He said the outcomes would help shape discussions at the leaders' summit in Shenzhen next month. In a joint statement after the talks, the finance ministers said global imbalances have persisted and pose risks to growth and stability. They agreed that global rebalancing is in their common interest and pledged to strengthen communication and cooperation on it. The group also released a policy statement.

Timeline

1. South China Morning Post

   21 Oct 2026, 08:00 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that APEC finance chiefs reached a consensus on economic policy coordination and on financing technology and AI at a two-day meeting in Hong Kong, according to China's finance minister Lan Foan, who said the outcomes would shape discussions at the leaders' summit in Shenzhen next month.

2. South China Morning Post

   21 Oct 2026, 09:06 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that APEC nations agreed to boost economic coordination after a finance ministers' meeting in Hong Kong, where a joint statement said global imbalances persist and pose risks to growth and stability and that global rebalancing is in their common interest.