President Ferdinand Marcos Jr will join other heads of state for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Bangkok, Thailand from Nov. 18 to 19.
There, he will raise economic issues, food and energy security, and climate change during the 8th APEC Meeting next week, Malacanang said Monday.
In a media briefing, Office of the Press Secretary officer-in-charge Cheloy Garafil said the annual regional forum is n opportunity for the country to advance its economic agenda and priorities.
“The economic leaders from 21 APEC economies will discuss sustainable trade and investment, reconnecting the region and charting our paths towards post-pandemic recovery and inclusive and sustainable growth,” Garafil said.
“This will be an opportunity for the country to push for economic agenda and priorities including empowerment of the micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and their inclusion in global value chains, recognition of the essential role of maritime crews and seafarers in ensuring stable and resilient supply chains and ensuring food and energy security as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation,” she said.
Garafil said Mr. Marcos will attend the APEC CEO Summit, a gathering of the region’s top business leaders, and meet with Thai businessmen to discuss investments and expansion plans.
The President will also meet with APEC leaders of economies to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for mutual economic benefit, as well as with the Filipino community in Bangkok, she added.
A Department of Foreign Affairs official said the President will have at least six bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the APEC Summit but could not offer any details about the meetings.
Reports said US Vice President Kamala Harris would also attend the APEC Leaders Meeting scheduled next week.
The White House earlier said Harris will be visiting the Philippines to re-affirm and strengthen the US-Philippines Alliance and “underscore the breadth of our cooperation as friends, partners, and allies” after her participation at the APEC.
This will be the first in-person meeting of the 21-member regional economic bloc since the pandemic hit at the start of the year 2020.
The two previous AELMs were held virtually in 2021 and 2022, hosted by Malaysia and New Zealand, respectively.
The 21 member economies of APEC are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.