Vientiane, Lao PDR
September 6, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte served as the keynote speaker on the second day of the 13th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business and Investment Summit 2016 held in Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

In his message, the President shared that in order for ASEAN to be a global player, it must ensure the effective implementation of various agreements crafted throughout the years.

Likewise, the region’s economy should focus on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), e-commerce, and entrepreneurship for the women and youth.

“Hailing from Mindanao, I commit to promote BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area),” President Duterte said, as he intends to open up major areas in the Visayas and Mindanao by improving infrastructures such as inter-island linkages.

He added, “ASEAN needs stronger resolve to combat transnational crime,” stressing that recent events have shown that terrorism and violent extremism can undermine a nation’s security. He emphasized that he will not be cowed by such acts, and would instead act to restore the safety and security of his people and his country.

The President ended his speech by calling on ASEAN’s leaders, business community, entrepreneurs, and key decision makers to act together so that the economic gains of the region would truly be felt by its people.

*  *  *