Photo by Gelaine Louise Gutierrez

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Philippine delegation, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, is all set for the world stage as they join their fellow counterparts in the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Bangkok, Thailand starting today until November 19.

The economic leaders from 21 APEC economies are set to discuss sustainable trade and investment, reconnecting the region and charting the paths towards post-pandemic recovery and inclusive and sustainable growth.

"I will meet of course with Thai business leaders on the APEC sidelines to invite investments and seek business opportunities, to promote the Philippines — our economic agenda and our exports. And I am participating in panel discussions on “The Global Economy and the Future of APEC”, among select APEC Leaders invited to speak at the annual gathering of top CEOs from across the region," President Marcos Jr. said in his departure message.

The APEC Summit is an opportunity for the Philippines to push for its economic agenda and priorities.

President Marcos, who recently attended the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and Related Summits, considers both ASEAN and APEC as vital platforms in advancing the country’s interests and positions before world leaders.

"I hope to build upon the discussions that we had during the ASEAN Summit. There were many as I mentioned when I first arrived from Cambodia, from Phnom Penh, it is very clear that there are many areas of consensus between our countries in the Asia Pacific, Indo-Pacific region," the President said.

The President and the First lady is set to meet with King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida Tidjai, together with fellow nation leaders and spouses.

This marks the first time President Marcos will attend the APEC Summit.

Thailand, as the host of this year's APEC Summit 2022, aims to focus on restoring connectivity by resuming safe and seamless cross-border travel, reinvigorating tourism and the services sector, facilitating business mobility as well as increasing investment in health security.

APEC serves as the premier Asia-Pacific economic forum established in 1989 with the primary goal of supporting sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. (PIA-NCR)