PHL-hosted APEC 2015 to focus on ‘building inclusive economies’

By ANDREO CALONZO, GMA News

Published December 1, 2014 7:18pm

(Updated 9:18 p.m.) The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be hosted by the Philippines next year will focus on "building inclusive economies," President Benigno Aquino III announced Monday.

"The only real growth is inclusive growth," Aquino said in a speech at the kick-off ceremony of APEC 2015.

The President said APEC talks next year should focus on how growing economies in the Asia-Pacific will have "tangible effects in the lives of our people."

Aquino also unveiled the theme of the APEC summit: "Building inclusive economies, building a better world."

Aside from the theme, the president also presented the logo for APEC 2015: a globe decorated with “banderitas (traditional paper decor during Filipino festivals)” in the colors of the Philippine flag.

President Aquino's speech at the #APEC2015 Philippines launch earlier today: http://t.co/dxm7jGW1UW | via @govph pic.twitter.com/4557ZW4rmF

— APEC 2015 (@apec2015ph) December 1, 2014

In his speech, Aquino said the APEC meeting next year will be the Philippines’ opportunity “to set a global example of inclusivity.”

“Let us show the best of our country has to offer. Let us all strive to continue being a prominent example of how economic growth should be,” the president said.

He also once again trumpeted his administration’s anti-poverty efforts, particularly the conditional cash transfer program, and gains in the education sector.

“This is inclusive growth: where economic progress enables the betterment of our peoples; and where those empowered peoples can open the doors wider to even greater progress, spurring a virtuous cycle of empowerment and continuous development,” Aquino said.

The president likewise urged government agencies and leaders of local government units hosting APEC meetings to exert their “1000 percent” to ensure the success of the Philippine-hosted events.

The following areas will host various APEC meetings next year in preparation for the World Leaders’ Summit on November 17 and 18, 2015: Pampanga, Manila, Bataan, Albay, Tagaytay City, Iloilo, Boracay Island, Bacolod City and Cebu. — JDS, GMA News

Tags: apec2015, benignoaquinoiii, inclusivegrowth