APEC Finance Ministers Back Voluntary Digital Infrastructure Financing Policy

Finance ministers from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies endorsed a voluntary policy statement in Hong Kong on Oct. 21 to expand financing options for digital infrastructure across the region.

The policy encourages public agencies to use project preparation tools, first-loss guarantees and risk-sharing arrangements. It also identifies local-currency hedging and specialized guarantee funds as ways to help manage financing risks.

For private investment, the statement encourages financial leasing and asset securitization. It also points to pension funds, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds as potential sources of capital.

Multilateral development banks are encouraged to help prepare projects and manage financing risks. Public and development bank resources are intended to attract private investment rather than replace it.

Ministers identified financing gaps in some APEC economies, citing regulatory constraints and limited funding channels. The statement also calls for wider access to digital services and stronger cross-border connectivity.

The policy creates no binding commitments. APEC members are encouraged to share financing practices and build knowledge and capacity in digital infrastructure financing.