Delegates ‘Happy’ with Philippines’ Hosting of APEC, Says Malacañang Official

The Philippines’ hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has drawn positive responses from delegates and guests coming from the grouping’s 21 member economies.

“So far, our delegates have been very happy with our hosting and they have said so themselves,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte told reporters during the daily media briefing at the Palace.

“So far it is going well. We are past the halfway mark already,” she added.

She noted that only four ministerial meetings are left before the holding of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), which is the highlight of the annual event.

Undersecretary Valte said the Philippines has successfully pushed several key initiatives during the series of ministerial meetings and dialogues related to the summit.

“Marami na po tayong naitutulak na mga initiatives. Sa APEC po kasi medyo mahaba po ang proseso nila because in APEC, kailangan po lahat ng ekonomiya mag-agree sa isang inisyatiba. Pero maganda na ang mga naitutulak natin. We have a very strong push to help our micro, small and medium enterprises,” she said.

The overall theme of this year’s APEC is the promotion and advancement of inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific region. As host economy, the Philippines will seek to mainstream and pursue its priorities into the agenda and economic policy thrusts of the member economies.

Fostering small and medium enterprises’ participation in regional and global markets form part of the country’s four priorities. The others are investing in human capital development; building sustainable and resilient communities; and enhancing the regional economic integration agenda. PND (gp)