On September 4, 2026, the 32nd APEC Ministerial Meeting on SMEs was held in Guangzhou. Focusing on topics such as technological innovation, digital empowerment, and inclusive development, the meeting issued the “Chair’s Initiative on Innovation and Resilience of SMEs (Guangzhou Initiative)”. In response to the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises in applying artificial intelligence technologies, including high technical barriers, high costs, and talent shortages, China, in collaboration with the Guangdong Provincial Government, established the APEC Center for Artificial Intelligence Empowerment of SMEs Development. This initiative aims to invite APEC economies to participate in its development, promoting exchanges and mutual learning in terms of technical capabilities, application scenarios, and practical experience.
The 32nd APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting was held in Guangzhou on September 4, where the “Chair’s Initiative on Innovation and Resilience Development for SMEs (Guangzhou Initiative)” was released. The meeting focused on the themes of “Innovation-driven, Win-win Cooperation,” and discussed in depth three topics: technological innovation, digital empowerment, and inclusive development. Liang Zhifeng, Director of the Small and Medium Enterprises Bureau of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, pointed out that small and medium enterprises currently face challenges such as high technical barriers, high costs, and a shortage of talent when applying artificial intelligence technologies. To address these issues, China, in collaboration with the Guangdong Provincial Government, established the APEC Center for Artificial Intelligence Empowerment of SMEs in Guangzhou. APEC economies are invited to participate in its development, promoting exchanges and mutual learning in terms of technical capabilities, application scenarios, and practical experience.