PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said he is eyeing to steer discussions in the ongoing 2022 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Thailand towards economic issues, which will benefit the country.
In his departure speech before flying to Thailand, Marcos said he will push for a consensus on food and energy security, digitalization, as well as sustainable development amid climate change during the APEC Summit.
Other matters which he intends to raise in the summit are safe and seamless cross-border passage of Filipino workers, and the economic inclusion of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women and indigenous people.
Marcos said he also intends to expound on the consensus which he forged with the other APEC participants during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits in Cambodia last week.
“I am hoping now to put some —to put some meat on those very preliminary discussions that we have had,” Marcos said.
The President stressed how policies from APEC member nations could affect the domestic economy since 85 percent of the country’s trade happen within the Asia Pacific region.
The region also hosts many overseas Filipino workers (OFW).
“APEC remains to be one of the prime platforms to engage the economies of the Asia-Pacific region. The importance of this region to us and to the rest of the world cannot be overstated,” Marcos said.
Marcos will be participating at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) Week from November 16 to 19 in Bangkok, Thailand.
On the sidelines of the events, he will hold bilateral talks with some economic leaders and heads of state.
He is also scheduled to meet with Thai businessmen and join the APEC CEO Summit, where he will be promoting the country as a viable investment destination.
The chief executive is also expected to meet with King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana of Thailand.
Also part of his itinerary is a meeting with the Filipino community in Thailand.
