Vientiane, Lao PDR
October 10, 2024

Continuing his participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and Related Summits, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined his fellow ASEAN Leaders in convening with the Heads of State/Government from China, Japan and Republic of Korea at the 27th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

During his intervention, President Marcos Jr. expressed his strong support for the new cooperation initiatives outlined in the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Cooperation Work Plan 2023-2027. He emphasized the critical role of free trade agreements (FTAs) with China, Japan and South Korea that focus on sustainable tourism, energy security and the digital economy. These FTAs aim to bolster regional trade and investment while strengthening economic ties throughout East Asia.

Furthermore, he highlighted a remarkable increase in Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) from the Plus Three countries to the ASEAN Member States, which soared to over US$32.65 billion last year, a significant rise from US$26.12 billion in 1997.

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