By Genalyn Kabiling
BOAO, China — With Asia's projected growth through 2050, President Duterte has called on big and small nations to implement the 3Cs or "cooperate, coordinate and collaborate" to attain prosperity for all.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the opening ceremony of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2018 at the BFA International Convention Center in Boao, People’s Republic of China on April 10, 2018.
(SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
The President, addressing the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) today, said he was convinced collective prosperity was "not just a dream but a reality" that can be attained, citing that countries have responsibilities to achieve such goal.
"As an engine of growth, Asia is poised to make a larger footprint on the global economy. And every country in Asia – big or small – has a role to play and its own contribution to make," he said in his speech.
"We have a stake – as well as responsibilities – in forging of a more prosperous continent and world. This is what nations – big or small - should act on collectively when we leave Boao: Cooperate, coordinate and collaborate so we can achieve our shared dream of prosperity for all," he added.
The President recognized that Asia is projected to sustain its growth through 2050, when the region is expected to account for more than half of the world’s gross domestic product.
He said the building blocks were already present, citing major Asian economies have provided models from which smaller nations could learn.
"Developing economies are slowly hitting the demographic sweet spot. They are also making steady strides in economic growth and human development," he said.
"And increasingly, regional institutions such as ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) are moving towards integration on many fronts," he added.
Duterte said when he served as ASEAN chair, he helped in the building of a rules-based and ASEAN- centered regional architecture. "We will continue to pursue this goal," he said.
On the part of the Philippines, the President has vowed to continue to push the economy forward and partner with businesses to propel further growth.
With his administration goal to bring comfortable life for Filipinos, Duterte has also promised to increase public investments in infrastructure, innovation and interconnectivity.
"Our 'Build, Build, Build' program will provide the solid backbone for growth. This will upgrade infrastructure, connect more people and communities and create more jobs," he said.
Duterte likewise took pride of his administration's headway in the campaign against corruption, illegal drugs and terrorism during the economic forum.