By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, Nov. 18 (PNA) — President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday called on his fellow leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to unite and work closer to meet the challenges of the increasingly globalized surroundings.
”The closer we work together, the more intelligently, efficiently, and swiftly we can evolve to meet the challenges of our increasingly globalized milieu,” President Aquino said in his welcome address during the 2015 APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) dialogue with Leaders at the Philippine International Convention Center.
The President said the ABAC dialogue is an exercise in positive innovation to confront the disruptions and challenges that threaten to weaken the economy of each 21 member nation of APEC.
”Confronted by an increasingly complex, interconnected, and unpredictable world, we are all challenged to look at trends that may cause disruption, so that we can act with resilience and craft a response with inclusivity at its core, ensuring no one is left behind,” he said.
President Aquino said the work of innovation begins with the correct appreciation of the problem “which leads to the correct crafting of the solution.”
”Policymakers must provide the environment that nurtures this. In turn, this requires the inputs from our business colleagues to maximize the synergy between us,” he said.
The President emphasized the vital role of the private sector in identifying and addressing the problems related to the disruption brought by natural calamities, movement in the global economy, and even due fast-changing technology innovations.
”Today, in the various breakout sessions, we will discuss topics, which, in very concrete ways, impact the lives of our peoples and the development of our economies,” he said.
Among the topics up for discussion include the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP); the pursuit of region-wide growth through services; and the promotion of sustainable development.
”Working hand-in-hand enables us to better understand the context that we operate in, formulate the right approaches based on the correct understanding of the problems, and thus lay the groundwork for a more resilient future, one that is sustainable, inclusive, and truly fair,” President Aquino said. (PNA)