Introduction to Marcelo Ebrard and His Role
Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, participated in the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting held in South Korea. As Mexico’s top representative at the APEC forum, Ebrard advocated for regional regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and emphasized the importance of ethical, transparent, and human-centered AI implementation.
Focus on Innovation and Technology at APEC Summit
This year’s APEC summit, attended by 21 countries in the southern city of Gyeongju, centers on technological innovation under the theme “Building a Sustainable Future.”
Ebrard’s Proposal for Regional AI Governance
During the closing session, Ebrard stressed the need for regional frameworks to regulate AI ethics, cybersecurity standards, and privacy protection. He acknowledged the risks associated with AI advancements but highlighted that the opportunities outweigh them.
“AI implementation must be ethical, transparent, and human-centered,” Ebrard asserted.
Promoting Mexico’s Technological Sector
In representation of President Claudia Sheinbaum, Ebrard promoted Mexico’s “Plan México” initiative, aiming to attract Asian investment in the country’s technology sector. He emphasized strengthening digital governance, fostering collaboration, and encouraging innovation among APEC nations to ensure technology remains a tool for equitable growth.
Additional Proposals by Ebrard
Besides AI, Ebrard proposed four other areas for cooperation among Asia-Pacific countries: demographic exchange, cultural industries, business acceleration, and institutional strengthening.
Ebrard’s Call for OMC Reform
On the previous day, Ebrard advocated for reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address global economic uncertainty at the APEC meeting.
Mexico seeks to negotiate a trade agreement with the United States to avoid high tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump, whose global trade war has impacted markets and supply chains for months.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Marcelo Ebrard? Marcelo Ebrard is Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, who represented his country at the recent APEC summit in South Korea.
- What is the main focus of this year’s APEC summit? The 2023 APEC summit, held in Gyeongju, South Korea, centers on technological innovation and sustainable future development.
- What did Marcelo Ebrard propose regarding AI? Ebrard proposed regional regulation of AI ethics, cybersecurity standards, and privacy protection, emphasizing ethical, transparent, and human-centered AI implementation.
- What other areas did Ebrard propose for cooperation among APEC nations? Besides AI, Ebrard suggested focusing on demographic exchange, cultural industries, business acceleration, and institutional strengthening.
- What is Mexico’s “Plan México” initiative? “Plan México” is an initiative led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, aiming to attract Asian investment in Mexico’s technology sector through strengthened digital governance and collaboration.
- Why is Mexico seeking WTO reform? Mexico aims to address global economic uncertainty by reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO) and negotiating a trade agreement with the United States to avoid high tariffs.
