Maharlika Hall, Villamor Air Base
November 16, 2022

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. addressed his countrymen before leaving the Philippines for the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand.

“Mga kababayan ko, ang dala natin sa ganitong klaseng mga summit at tsaka mga meeting ang ating mga pangarap para sa magandang buhay. This is what we aspire for, a peaceful and prosperous Asia-Pacific Region,” he said in his departure statement at the Maharlika Hall (formerly Bulwagang Kalayaan) in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

The President will be engaging with fellow Economic Leaders in the Asia-Pacific Region to convey the Philippines’ priorities in achieving food and energy security; safe and seamless cross-border passage of Filipino seafarers and workers; economic inclusion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women, indigenous people and sectors; digitalization and the country’s participation in the digital economy; sustainable development; and climate change mitigation.

“85% of our trade is within this region, and that’s the reason why Filipino consumers have access to goods and services from this region, but more importantly, our farmers, laborers, businessmen, and most importantly, our MSMEs are able to export their goods and services to economies in this region,” he emphasized.

On the sidelines of the APEC meetings, he will also hold conferences with Thai business leaders to invite investments and seek business opportunities, promote Philippine exports, and discuss the country’s economic agenda. On strengthening the country’s diplomatic relations, he is scheduled for bilateral meetings with economic leaders from both private and public sectors, and other Heads of State/Government.

Noting that this is his first visit in Thailand since assuming the Presidency, the Chief Executive looks forward to spending time with the Filipino Community before flying back to the Philippines.

President Marcos Jr.’s inaugural participation to the AELM is being chaired by Thailand that is anchored on the theme, ‘Open. Connect. Balance’. This is the first in-person meeting since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

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