Leni to keynote ASEAN business forum

ice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo will be attending a business forum on Tuesday during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings that will be held in Manila. Robredo, a former housing chief, will be the keynote speaker for the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit at Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City, her office said in an advisory sent to media.

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) confirmed Robredo’s attendance at the event this week upon the invitation of the 30-member ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), chaired by Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion.

Robredo is looking forward to the economic integration of ASEAN, noting that it is “good for women.”

She said the 10-nation regional bloc focuses on micro, small and medium enterprises as a “tool for inclusive growth” that provides “opportunities for women in agribusiness, tourism, services and other sectors.”

Robredo underscored the need to take advantage of the opportunities created by the ASEAN Economic Community by ensuring that Filipino workers are ready.

“When we do, our people, especially our women, will not be left behind; instead, they will be equipped with competencies that are in line with the demands of the international labor market,” she said.