Makati City
1 December 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III called on everyone present at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2015 National Launch to show the best of what the country has to offer when the Philippines hosts the 23rd APEC Summit next year in Manila and in several locations nationwide.

President Aquino said that in 2015, visitors from the APEC member economies will witness the vibrancy of an inclusive business and a growing nation, and will likewise have the opportunity to experience the dynamism and rich culture of the places around the country where the summits would be held.

“They will encounter our greatest resource, our people, who are kind, compassionate, and talented beyond measure. And they will see for themselves an archipelago connected through a web of inclusiveness,” said the President.

Inclusive growth is reflected in the chosen theme — “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World” — for the country’s hosting, and the priority topics for APEC 2015 will center on the following: Investing in Human Capital Development, Fostering SMEs’ Participation in Regional and Global Economy, Building Sustainable and Resilient Communities, and Enhancing the Regional Economic Integration Agenda.

The Chief Executive, together with some Cabinet members, led the launching of the APEC Philippines 2015 logo during the event.  The circular nature of the logo represents a more dynamic global community while the triangles in blue, red and yellow represent the 21 member economies of APEC. It also reflects the country’s vision in treading the path to a more progressive, more equitable Asia-Pacific.

The first visitors for APEC 2015 will arrive in the country a week from now to attend the Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting in Legazpi City, Albay from Dec. 8-9, 2014.

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