Editor's Note: What drives growth and integration across the Asia-Pacific today? As trade flows expand and economies grow more connected, how is APEC shaping the region's future? In this episode of Leaders Talk, CMG's He Yanke sits down with Eduardo Pedrosa, executive director of the APEC Secretariat, during the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea. Pedrosa says APEC's work is forward-looking and grounded in the idea of an open economy. He notes that APEC remains a member-driven organization advancing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, while also adapting the multilateral trading system to new global realities. He emphasizes that connectivity is vital to the region's future and highlights China's active role in APEC over the years. Pedrosa also praises Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision for openness and economic globalization, calling it significant for the region's integration and resilience.