Reception Hall, Malacañan Palace
November 12, 2021

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, together with his fellow Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders, witnessed the formal handover of the APEC Chairing by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand held via virtual convention.

In the conclusion of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), Prime Minister Arden called for the Adoption of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Declaration and Implementation Plan for the Putrajaya Vision 2040 — the region’s agenda for the next 20 years and also among the biggest pieces of work this 2021 aimed at creating ‘an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040, for the prosperity of all our people and future generations’.

The AELM served as the final opportunity for Leaders to shape the future of the region. New Zealand wrapped up its hosting this year by asking the APEC Economies to look to the future, encourage a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic across the region, and ensure that APEC shall continue to build on its proud history of regional trade and economic cooperation.

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