Greater access for poor countries — Duterte

PRESIDENT Duterte has warned that the poor will become poorer unless richer countries help poorer ones that were left behind by globalization.

Globalization should not harm but help the poor, DU30 stressed.

*** The President said that Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member-nations should adopt a seamless and comprehensive economic integration program.

Ensure that growth will benefit everyone, he pleaded.

Addressing the APEC CEO Summit in Vietnam on the eve of the ASEAN Summit in Manila, Duterte pushed for inclusive growth by urging rich nations to give greater market access to less developed countries.

Help small businesses participate in global trade, too, he asked.

*** Duterte, who spoke on the second day of the APEC CEO Summit ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders summit in Da Nang, Vietnam (Nov. 9, 2017), said, “Globalization, to a certain extent, has really damaged poor economies.”

“Globalization, by itself, is the deprivation of some and those that we call left behind. There must be some remedial measures,” he stressed. “It behooves upon us really to help the others develop their own capacitybuilding... That you have to educate the others who are left behind, and teach him the digital age, the advantages of it, Unless this done, they will remain where they are,” he said.

“The richer would become richer and the poorer will become poorer unless things are changed for those who are left behind,” he added.

*** The President said APEC will only be relevant if prosperity is shared by all.

“APEC must continue to advocate for stronger and deeper regional economic integration by facilitating the liberalization of trade and investment,” he said, expressing support for the proposed Free Trade Area of the Asia and the Pacific.

*** Duterte said less developed economies and small businesses do not need “charity” but “greater market access and the opportunity to participate in growth and development.”

“Unless we adopt this mindset, inclusive growth will continue to elude us,” he lamented.

*** Duterte also said: “As leaders in our respective fields, we must ensure that globalization does not lead to wealth generation, but equitably, wealth distribution as well.”

“Remedial measures” such as investing in education, training, and other capacity-building opportunities to cope with the challenges of globalization are needed he said.

It was important to create “an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity for growth,” Duterte said.

Promote competition, complementation, cooperation among businesses, he said. Duterte said he plans to bring his concern on globalization “forcefully” during the ASEAN Summit which he will preside in Manila this week.

“We have to have integration, cohesiveness, and we must act as one. If Europe can do it with its union and America is starting to revive its industries, why can’t we, the ASEAN, do it,” he added.

Likewise, Malacañang said “President Duterte and visiting US President Donald Trump have a warm rapport and can have candid and productive discussions on matters of shared interests.”

Yes to a productive Trump-DU30 talks. Yes to economic integration among countries.