■ PROTEST IN METRO MANILA
PH hopes Asean will be pathfinder for region’s economic progress
Riot police block protesters as they try to move towards the US Embassy to protest President Donald Trump’s weekend visit to the country.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) this year, has expressed confidence that the regional bloc can serve as “pathfinder” for Asia-Pacific Economic Region’s (Apec) further progress.
During the Apec informal dialogue with Southeast Asian leaders, Duterte touted that the 10-man regional alliance had paved the way for Apec’s “eventual” success in pivoting on trade liberalization.
He, thus, believed that Asean can help promote Apec’s objective to ramp up its drive to spur economic growth within the region.
“Collaborating with Apec on common areas of interest, Asean can potentially play the role of a regional pathfinder for Apec’s initiatives,” Duterte said.
“Asean can also serve as Apec’s institutional memory and provide consistency to Apec’s role as an incubator of ideas and driver of regional economic growth and integration,” he added.
Duterte likewise said that Asean can be a “hub” for Asia-Pacific region in relevant areas, which include digital and maritime connectivity; efficient logistics; disaster preparedness and management; technology; micro, small, and medium enterprises; and inclusive growth.
He said Asean, as an “integrated” bloc, “is a good place to start” since it has shown exem- plary performance to excel in various fields.
Duterte said Asean and Apec’s improved collaboration was also significant for possible strategic partnerships with different international organizations. /
Collaborating with Apec on common interest, Asean can potentially play the role of a regional pathfinder for Apec’s initiatives. PRESIDENT DUTERTE