By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed the Philippines on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 16, to participate at the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Thailand.
In his departure speech at the Villamor Airbase, Marcos shared his goal to unlock economic potential, promote the digitalization of the country’s participation in the digital economy, and push for sustainable development.
“Ang dala natin sa ganitong mga summit at mga meeting [ay] ang ating mga pangarap,” Marcos said.
The President will also meet his fellow leaders to discuss food, energy security, and the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises.
He and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will also meet King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana.
Marcos will also meet Thai business leaders during the APEC sidelines to attract investors and seek business opportunities, as well as to tackle his administration’s economic agenda.
The Chief Executive will also join a panel discussion on “The Global Economy and the Future of APEC” along with other APEC leaders and other heads of state.
Marcos reiterated APEC is one of the country’s “prime platforms to engage the economies in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Thailand hosts 38% of the world’s population, 48% of trade, and 62% of gross domestic product.
He will also meet the Filipino community in Thailand. -ag
