APEC first public-private dialogue on services opens in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The First Public-Private Dialogue on Services to discuss issues confronting the service sector among member economies of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) kicked off today in Pampanga.

The country's hosting of the APEC will put services at the center of the discussions, said APEC Senior Officials' Meeting Chairperson Laura del Rosario.

Services will be at the forefront of their priorities, such as regional economic integration, human capital development, promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), integration to the global supply chain, and sustainable and resilient communities, she said.

Tuesday's meeting is the first public-private dialogue on services to be held this year. It is expected to guide stakeholders in crafting policies, strategies and plans in moving toward the future.

The meeting is expected to foster collaboration and best practical exchanges to promote growth in the service sector.

The First Public-Private Dialogue will cover information technology and business process management (IT-BPM), creative industries, as well as research and development services.