Duterte to attend APEC summit

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte will join the virtual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting this month, which is expected to focus on COVID-19 response and sustainable and inclusive trade.

“Our President is expected to attend via video conferencing the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC (summit) on Nov. 12,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said at a press briefing yesterday.

Duterte is scheduled to attend the opening and closing ceremonies and the sessions on the International Monetary Fund’s global economic outlook, pandemic recovery and building prosperity for all people and future generations.

He will also join the handover ceremonies of the APEC chairmanship to Thailand.

APEC is composed of Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.

This year’s conference is hosted by New Zealand, the first host of a fully virtual APEC meet. According to the organizers, the event is an opportunity for New Zealand to “help pioneer digital diplomacy” as it involves hundreds of meetings and events with 21 economies in 11 time zones.

“APEC is focused on supporting and enabling trade that is inclusive and sustainable. This year, our region’s response to COVID-19 and the opportunity to build a more resilient future are top of the agenda,” a statement posted on the APEC’s official website read.

“There is meaningful work APEC can do this year to shape a brighter future for all our people. The progress on APEC’s agenda and high participation at our virtual APEC 2021 shows how our collective determination can overcome the challenges of the pandemic. Our region of three billion needs us to work together to defeat COVID-19,” it added.

The Leaders’ Meeting will discuss proposals and recommendations from the meetings of senior officials, sectoral ministers, the APEC Business Advisory Council and foreign affairs and trade ministers. Leaders are also expected to issue statements on future development directions in the region.