By Azer Parrocha (PNA)
MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte will attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting this week which will be hosted by Papua New Guinea for the first time.
In a pre-departure briefing at Malacañang, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella said Duterte will join 20 other APEC leaders and representatives in the meeting which will take place on Nov. 17 and 18 in Port Moresby.
Abella described the engagement as “a new era for Filipino engagement on the world stage” since APEC is “the most important economic cooperation platform in the world.”
“And as one of the best performing economies and the fastest growing region the world, the Philippines has much to contribute as well as much to gain from a fruitful discussion with our neighbors, friends and allies in APEC,” Abella said.
“We will stand tall as we advance and assert peace, prosperity and independence in pursuit of a comfortable and secure life for the Filipino people,” he added.
Abella said Duterte and other leaders are expected to formulate a new and inclusive APEC Vision beyond the year 2020.
Duterte is also expected to raise awareness on efforts of the Philippine government to ensure food security and advance economic opportunities for women.
He will also affirm commitment to an international rules-based regime support of the multilateral trading system embodied by organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and convey support for mechanisms that will enable our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take advantage of digital and online platforms to benefit their enterprises and bring their products and services overseas.
Abella expressed hope that within APEC, the government can prepare Filipinos to meet the challenges and opportunities of a digital world and deliver services and education of the young especially orienting them now towards sciences, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.
“As we look forward to participating and contributing to the APEC Forum, we are reminded of values that guide our foreign policy which is advancing peace and prosperity in pursuit of a comfortable and secure life for all Filipinos,” Abella said.
Meanwhile, Abella said Duterte will also meet the Filipino community there to relay the administration’s achievements.
“The first and foremost engagement he will have is with the Filipino community,” Abella said.
Papua New Guinea is home to over 40,000 Filipinos and over 200 Philippine companies operate in the country, Abella said.
Last May, Duterte received Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill during his official visit to the Philippines.
At present, the Philippines provides important services to the people of Papua New Guinea including agricultural expertise, assisting local rice growers to improve yields and to maximize efficiency.
