Marcos Jr. sees high-stakes issues at APEC

BUSAN –  President Marcos said he is seeing a “much different” Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting because of “high-stakes” policy decisions that can sway global trade.

At the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, the President is also expected to showcase the Philippines as a committed and reliable partner in the region, amid mounting concerns over trade barriers, including tariffs.

Hours before Marcos’ arrival in South Korea, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a much-anticipated meeting to discuss a host of issues, including the trade tensions that gripped the world’s two largest economies.

In his departure speech delivered at the Villamor Air Base, Marcos said the meeting between the two leaders would influence the direction of the APEC summit.

“It is impossible to talk about this APEC meeting without referencing as we are here today, right now, at this moment, the meeting between President Trump and President Xi that they are presently holding. And the results of those meetings will color and influence everything that we will be doing in the APEC meeting,” the President said.

“The world is watching because this is the source of the largest shock that has entered into the world trade system.”

According to Marcos, the arrangements  between Washington and Beijing would

“certainly affect every single citizen of the world.”

“And so that makes this APEC meeting a much different meeting from all the others that we have attended because on the sidelines are the decisions being made on how trade is going to be conducted certainly, at least between the two largest economies in the world but with an effect, with a ripple effect for entire global economy,” the Chief Executive said.

“And so that we are looking out for, that is what we need to understand and that is why the world is watching and waiting as we are.”

The US initially decided to slap a 20 percent tariff on Philippine exports, but eventually agreed to adjust the rate to 19 percent.

‘Critical juncture’

Marcos said the growth and stability of the APEC region are directly tied to the opportunities and welfare of all Filipinos, noting that the bloc accounts for nearly 46 percent of global trade in goods and commercial services and generates roughly 61 percent of the total global gross domestic product.

“So, given these high stakes, this gathering is imperative. We convene at a critical juncture defined by evolving geopolitical landscapes, supply chain disruptions, threats of climate change, and the urgent need for equitable and inclusive growth,” the Chief Executive said.

Marcos described the Philippines’ collaboration with South Korea and other APEC member economies as “pivotal” as he vowed to forge deeper ties around shared goals, including fostering AI-driven innovation, enhancing cultural and creative industries and proactively addressing demographic challenges.

The Philippines, the President said, is committed to aggressively ramping up physical and digital connectivity, accelerating digital transformation for competitiveness and ensuring stable and equitable prosperity for all Filipinos.

“This collective resolve will ensure that our development efforts align with regional progress, laying the groundwork for a future where the power of creativity, technology, and sustainability benefits every Filipino,” Marcos said.

The President’s engagements with fellow leaders will focus on guaranteeing equitable access to digital services and financial inclusion, advancing seamless movement of goods and people through investment facilitation and infrastructure development, promoting supply chain resiliency, and promoting digital literacy and skills development for micro, small, and medium enterprises, women, and other segments.

Marcos is scheduled to deliver a speech at the APEC CEO Summit, where he is expected to showcase the Philippines’ “commitment to fostering economic partnerships and promoting a favorable business climate” and highlight its digital transformation efforts.

“We will also lobby for stronger collaboration with regional partners, including ASEAN in driving and achieving our shared objectives for a sustainable, technologically empowered, and inclusive future,” the President, who will serve as the ASEAN chairman next year, said.

Marcos will also meet with South Korean business leaders to encourage them to invest in the Philippines and to boost people-to-people cooperation.

“I want to use this moment to reaffirm a core truth to the international business community: the Philippines is not merely ready. We are a reliable, forward-looking partner in the Asia-Pacific. Invest in the Filipino,” he said.

“Alongside our efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ regional foothold and attract investments, we continue to cleanse our bureaucracy of corruption, because only a transparent government can build a fair economy.”

Upon his arrival, Marcos met with members of the Filipino community here to update them about the government’s programs and policies.

During his engagement with the Filipino community, Marcos vowed to push for more investments in agriculture, technology and renewable energy and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change.

He added that the government would establish a consulate in Busan and a Social Security System office at the Philippine embassy to make government services more accessible.