For Apec business advisory council meetings: President Marcos Expected In Cebu July 28

CEBU, Philippines — Fresh from his second State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is expected to be in Cebu on July 28, 2023.

Marcos is expected to join one of the meetings with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) members at Nustar Convention Center, to share his administration's vision and priorities for fostering economic growth and cooperation within the Asia-Pacific region.

The event, hosted by ABAC Philippines, is the third leg of this year’s APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) meetings that will bring together prominent business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the APEC economies to address significant economic challenges and devise strategies for long-term sustainable growth and collaboration.

The said event will run from July 27 to 30, 2023.

ABAC Philippines is all set to welcome over 200 registered delegates and guests in Cebu City.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to host such an important event where delegates can engage in fruitful discussions and come up with sound recommendations to drive economic growth and cooperation within the Asia-Pacific region,” Aboitiz Group President and CEO, and ABAC PH member Sabin Aboitiz said, in a statement.

Apart from various discussions, the ABAC 3 will put a spotlight on the important role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the global economy.

Moreover, it will focus on the ever-changing landscape of environment, social, and governance (ESG) investing.

The ABAC recognizes the transformative impact that a thriving business community can have on the broader economy. By actively advocating for the interests of businesses throughout the region, they aim to create an environment conducive to sustainable and inclusive growth.

As ABAC Philippines prepares to take center stage, their dedication to contributing to the region's economic development resonates with the broader mission of APEC.

By working together with other member economies, ABAC Philippines aims to harness the collective strength of the Asia-Pacific community, creating a vibrant and interconnected economic landscape that benefits everyone.

“As we prepare to host ABAC in the vibrant heart of Cebu, we stand on the cusp of boundless opportunities and exciting discoveries. Let’s write a new chapter in the Asia-Pacific story, where collaboration sparks innovation, and our shared vision for a prosperous future becomes a reality,” Aboitiz earlier said.

As the vice-chair of the 2023 ABAC Sustainable Growth Working Group (SGWG), Aboitiz plays a crucial role in advancing ABAC’s efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region.

He is joined by ABAC Philippines member Joanne de Asis, who is also the country lead for the Financial Task Force, as well as ABAC Philippines chair Tomas Alcantara.

“We are honored to host this important gathering of business leaders from across the Asia-Pacific. We look forward to providing a positive experience here in the Philippines as the Council continues the great work and progress it has achieved in the past two meetings,” said Alcantara.

De Asis added, “As ABAC members, we are committed to promoting sustainable and equitable growth in the region. We believe this meeting will provide another valuable platform for discussion and collaboration on important issues we face.”

The ABAC Philippines group is committed to advancing the interests of the Asia-Pacific business community and contributing to the region’s economic development.

The third leg of ABAC will provide an opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ potential as an investment destination and to foster greater regional cooperation and integration.

ABAC III in Cebu promises to be an unforgettable experience, where business and culture intersect to create opportunities for growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. — (FREEMAN)