Intervention of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Informal Dialogue with Guests (Session 1)

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Your Majesty, Excellencies,

Allow me first to express my deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Republic of Korea (ROK) to my delegation and for the thoughtful arrangements for this gathering.

We meet at a pivotal time where the stability of the global economy is being challenged by intensifying geopolitical tensions, technological disruptions, supply chain vulnerability, protectionism, and even unwarranted economic competition — a period where policymaking in itself is also being challenged.

For the Philippines, we do recognize that the global economic environment has changed.

We face challenges now that may not have been contemplated or foreseen when our rules-based system was conceptualized—thus, the need for us to be responsive, dynamic, and forward-looking.

As we grapple to address these challenges, let us not lose sight of our objectives to bring growth, inclusivity, and sustainability to our region, as well as the core principles of openness, non-discrimination, and transparency.

Let me highlight, therefore, key areas where we should work together.

The Philippines calls on economies to prioritize the full restoration of the dispute settlement mechanism and the Appellate Body at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Without a functioning dispute settlement mechanism, small economies would be at a disadvantage.

For small economies, rules are a potent equalizer.

Let us also support advancing new and forward-looking disciplines that will enable trade to flourish in the digital era and create better conditions for our businesses.

We encourage economies to continue supporting discussions on e-commerce, investment facilitation for development, and services domestic regulation.

To advance our sustainability agenda and food security, let us prioritize negotiations in agriculture, and move forward the second wave of negotiations of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. These will help ensure that trade remains a force for sustainability and shared progress.

To deepen regional connectivity, we must also build smarter and more sustainable supply chains through regulatory reforms, digitalization, and skills development.

By streamlining rules, investing in digital infrastructure and platforms, and equipping our MSMEs and workforce with the skills and tools they need to compete globally, we can secure our collective resilience and ensure that growth remains inclusive.

Meanwhile, we welcome the work under the proposed new services agenda, as a timely successor to the APEC Services Competitiveness Roadmap.

This builds on the long-term vision of the APEC Services Cooperation Framework, which the Philippines had the honor of advancing during our APEC hosting in 2015.

Through cooperation, regulatory transparency, and capacity building, we can ensure that the benefits of growth extend across all services sectors, powered by digital transformation and the responsible use of AI.

Ultimately, APEC’s enduring strength lies in its capacity to bridge differences, build capacities, and foster trust.

Through deeper regional economic integration, we can help each one of us, large or small, adapt, innovate, and prosper together.

The Philippines stands ready to work with all APEC economies and partners to uphold an open, connected, and future-ready region, one that remains resilient not just in times of uncertainty, but also in the pursuit of shared prosperity.

As we confront the defining challenges of our time, from climate change and demographic shifts to emerging health and security risks, it is clear that resilience and sustained growth depend on an essential ingredient: strong public-private collaboration. APEC’s strength and relevance lie in its strong ties with business and stakeholders.

We should sustain the energy and creativity of our private sector whose innovation and entrepreneurship are central to achieving inclusivity and prosperity.

In 2023, the Philippines strengthened the foundation of public-private collaboration through the enactment of Republic Act No. 11966, or the Public-Private Partnership Code of the Philippines.

It provides the needed policy and institutional framework for partnerships that deliver high-impact infrastructure and social development projects.

This landmark legislation embodies our commitment to creating an enabling environment where private enterprises can actively contribute to domestic and regional development goals.

Within APEC, we can build on this momentum by strengthening the platforms for dialogue between the public and private sectors, ensuring that business perspectives shape our regional strategies and initiatives.

APEC economies must work together with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) to develop frameworks to address gaps in infrastructure investment for energy security, energy transition, and digital transformation.

For the Philippines, our engagement with ABAC goes beyond consultation. We see the business community as our “kabalikat”, our steadfast partners in building a more connected and resilient APEC region.

To be truly connected and resilient, we must also strategically invest in our people, especially in women and youth, who are important players in ensuring social and economic stability.

Closing the gender gap, as our experience shows, is not only a matter of fairness; it is smart economics.

Empowering women to participate fully in the economy could add as much as USD 28 trillion to global GDP, making this the most critical investment for sustained growth.

We encourage actions to alleviate gender pay gaps and enable the full participation of women in the economy.

Empowering businesses, especially MSMEs, through access to finance, digital tools, and global markets will unlock the full potential of the private sector while ensuring inclusivity.

It is essential that we build sustainable digital infrastructure, nurture a future-ready workforce, and advance open, interoperable digital trade rules that support a vibrant cross-border digital economy.

With the conclusion of the Cebu Action Plan, a legacy document of the Philippines’ APEC hosting in 2015, we also welcome the forward looking “Incheon Plan” under the APEC Finance Ministers’ Process.

This plan addresses emerging challenges through adaptive fiscal policies, strengthened climate resilience mechanisms, and modernized regulatory frameworks to foster innovation and digital transformation.

As we move forward, let us deepen regional cooperation, accelerate structural reform, and scale up targeted capacity building efforts.

Together, we can unlock the full potential of our peoples to foster peace, bolster shared prosperity, and build resilience across our region and beyond.

Let me close by again commending the Republic of Korea (ROK) for its excellent Chairship, and for guiding these vital discussions that reaffirm our collective commitment to a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.

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