Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, Bali, Indonesia
October 11, 2018
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Gathering at the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort in Bali, Indonesia.
For the Philippines’ agenda in the meeting, the President underscored in his remarks the administration’s efforts in strengthening the country’s enabling investment in environment, as well as its commitment to address corruption and its resolution in securing the nation from criminality and terrorism.
“Terrorism and violent extremism – along with transnational crimes such as the illegal drugs trade – lure the disadvantaged and marginalized into divisive, devious and destructive alternatives to genuine development. We have no other option but to confront these challenges head on,” he said.
President Duterte shared that the thrust of the administration is to invest on innovations that would push for resiliency in the country’s trade and investment policies. As such, the Philippines embarked on the ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program that could support domestic consumption and cushion the impact of decreased external demand.
“We are unrelenting in our resolve to ensure a peaceful, secure and stable environment that protects the greatest good. But we must do more. We have to work together,” the Chief Executive said. He urged the rest of the ASEAN leaders to consider each other in the community as natural economic partners, and invest amongst themselves to intensify trade and increase direct investments within the ASEAN region.
“Only a stronger ASEAN will allow us to effectively deal with the regional and global economic powerhouses. And only a more stronger ASEAN that can take on opportunities that are only available to the many that work together,” he stressed.
“This, so the world can see that ASEAN is worth investing in. This, so global institutions should rightly support us in achieving our goals,” he added.
At the end of his speech, President Duterte reiterated his sympathies to Indonesia after suffering tremendous loss of lives and extensive damage to property on the onslaught of the earthquake and tsunami that recently hit areas in Central Sulawesi.
“Indonesia stands resilient and unbowed in these difficult times. But Indonesia does not stand alone. Your brothers and sisters in ASEAN stand with you… This should be our rallying call, not only in times of disasters, but indeed, as we strive to move our region forward to genuine growth, inclusive development and one resilient ASEAN community,” he ended.
* * *