The Asia-Pacific region generates approximately 60% of the world’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions , which represents a challenge for the 21 economies that make up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum , in a global context marked by climate urgency and the reconfiguration of supply chains, where more sustainable logistics are even being promoted to minimize environmental risks.
This was stated by Francisco Suárez Hernández, chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Mexico, who emphasized that ABAC promotes an agenda that articulates several key areas, including sustainable manufacturing, product design, the circular economy, renewable energy, and supply chain optimization . This comprehensive approach recognizes that decarbonization does not depend on a single link, but rather on the coordination of the entire logistics network.
In this transition, technology plays a crucial role. Artificial intelligence (AI) -based tools enable route optimization, reduced energy consumption, and improved logistics planning. This comprehensive approach also involves investing in commercial and logistical infrastructure.
In a sector where 20% of emissions come from transportation – with an average annual growth rate of 1.7% over the last three decades, according to data from the International Energy Agency – Suárez indicated that there is a group working hand in hand with ABAC and APEC on transportation related to Zero Cargo Transportation , where there is a commitment to accelerate the establishment of a greener free trade framework “to ensure a more stable, resilient supply chain.”
In this context, Mexico has strategic advantages. Its geographic location, proximity to North America, and its potential in renewable energy—particularly solar and wind—position it as a key player in becoming a sustainable logistics hub and an attractive destination for investments linked to the digital economy .
“It’s important that all technology and AI companies that have emissions reduction commitments see us as a green zone for investment. That’s why I think a sustainable digital economy could be an interesting concept, one that supports AI across all sectors and the entire supply chain to lower emissions, where transportation and AI will play a very important role in making programming much smarter, in how you can optimize money and time throughout your entire supply chain,” he emphasized.
Fleet renewal is presented as part of the solutions. Some companies have begun transitioning to electromobility in freight transport, even, Suárez specified, with tractor-trailers manufactured in Mexico, which, in addition to an innovative design, have intelligent and preventative technology, as well as features to reduce emissions. This is important in a country where fleets have an average age of 19 years, according to the National Association of Bus, Truck and Tractor-Trailer Manufacturers (ANPACT) , which reinforces the need to accelerate their renewal and modernization, he noted.
However, the path to sustainable logistics also involves regulatory challenges. The need for clear, consistent regulatory frameworks that keep pace with the speed of technological innovation is one of the sector’s main demands.
In this regard, ABAC has outlined a set of priority actions aimed at revitalizing growth and strengthening the foundations of regional economic cooperation. These include investment in trade and logistics infrastructure , and reducing barriers to maritime and air transport, including expanding regional connectivity and access to secondary cities to support mobility, trade, and investment. Furthermore, ABAC seeks to strengthen the connectivity and resilience of supply chains by addressing vulnerabilities, ensuring responsible mineral sourcing, facilitating legitimate trade, and enhancing transparency and sustainability.
Circular economy, an opportunity to generate value
In the realm of the circular economy, the approach shifts paradigm: waste becomes input, and business models evolve toward reuse, recycling, and redesign schemes. More than a cost, Suárez emphasized, this represents an opportunity, a long-term investment to generate economic, social, and environmental value .
The director of Public Affairs and Strategic Relations at Fomento Económico Mexicano (FEMSA) also considered that collaboration between the public and private sectors can coexist in this area.
“The important thing to emphasize here is that ABAC represents the private sector and APEC the public sector. Therefore, APEC is doing work on connectivity and mapping all the trends and opportunities in emerging markets,” he stated.
The goal of this joint effort is to reduce emissions and make supply chains more efficient , which translates into a window of opportunity for the Asia-Pacific region.
Looking ahead to 2028, when Mexico will host APEC, the country has the opportunity to solidify its position as a global leader in sustainable logistics innovation. Building this “green bridge” involves not only infrastructure and technology, but also a profound transformation in how supply chains are currently conceived.
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