Reception Hall, Malacañan Palace
November 12, 2021

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joined his fellow Leaders at the Welcome Ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) and listened to the Opening Remarks and Adoption of the Agenda by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, who also chaired the APEC 2021.

The discussions for this year’s AELM that took place via virtual convention centered on the concrete measures in responding to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic — focusing on trade outcomes that support the movement of vaccines and related medical supplies, the APEC’s long-term work on macro-economic policy and structural reform, and the efforts to progress work on sustainability, inclusivity and digital connectivity.

New Zealand hosted the APEC 2021 with the theme, ‘Join, Work, Grow. Together.’ Haumi ē, Hui ē, Tāiki ē’, that focused on implementing economic and trade policies, increasing inclusion and sustainability, and pursuing innovation for COVID-19 recovery.

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