Regulators and trade officials from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies are strengthening cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) standards with the aim of promoting interoperability, regulatory alignment and responsible development of this technology in the region.
In a context where AI is transforming industries and societies, the APEC Subcommittee on Standards and Conformity met last week in Gyeongju to discuss the recognition of AI standards to facilitate trade and ensure transparency in the digital economy.
international collaboration
EDr. Byung Goo Kang, Chairman of the APEC Subcommittee on Standards and Conformity, stressed the importance of international cooperation in AI standardization. According to him, technical alignment can strengthen trust in AI systems and reduce regulatory complexity for companies.
The meeting laid the groundwork for the APEC AI Standards Forum Conference, to be held in August this yearThis event seeks to consolidate mutual cooperation between the forum's economies, facilitating the exchange of information on international standardization, regulatory frameworks and certification systems in AI.
"AI is revolutionizing industries worldwide, and with its rapid development, the implementation of standards and conformity assessments to ensure its reliability and interoperability is increasingly crucial.“,” Dr. Kang said.
Experts and aHarmonization of digital procedures
APEC members are also strengthening cooperation to train the Next generation of standards and compliance experts, recognizing the importance of technical knowledge to facilitate trade and regulatory alignment.
During a panel discussion at the meeting, strategies for enhancing training programs, institutional support and international collaboration on capacity development initiatives were explored. Member economies shared approaches on incorporating standardization education into professional development programs.
With the increasing digitalization of markets, participants highlighted the need to harmonize digital conformity assessment procedures and expand electronic certification to reduce administrative burdens. Strengthening the cooperation in digital standards certification among APEC economies will improve interoperability, increase efficiency and facilitate trade.
Mutual Recognition Agreements
Another key point at the meeting was the expansion of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) and the analysis of the impact of digital transformation on the development of standards. The importance of aligning conformity assessment systems at a cross-border level was emphasized. Adjusting digital standards to global frameworks.
Members reaffirmed the need to ensure that digital certification systems are consistent with the agreements on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) of the WTO to promote regulatory coherence.
Cooperation on sustainable energy standards was also stepped up to facilitate the transition to low-carbon technologies and the adoption of renewable energy. Ways were explored to align renewable energy standards, expand carbon reduction initiatives and improve certification frameworks for clean technologies.
In addition, members highlighted opportunities for further collaboration with international standardization organizations, such as ISO and IEC, with the aim of supporting the development of global best practices in energy efficiency and sustainability.
"The efforts of the APEC Subcommittee on Standards and Conformity have been instrumental in driving domestic regulatory development and promoting economic growth aligned with international standards.“Dr. Kang noted.
“Now, we must continue to work together to advance AI standardization, digital certification and sustainable energy standards. This will enable us to build a more resilient and innovative APEC region that benefits businesses, consumers and economies alike.”"He concluded.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum has been a bloc since 1989 that seeks to develop the economies of 21 countries and territories in Asia and America.
The economies that make up APEC are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
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