ABAC Philippines will spotlight the critical role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the global economy, and their relevance in business compliance to the environment, social, and governance (ESG) metrics.
This was announced by Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Philippines will meet in Cebu in July where over 200 business leaders and guests from the 21-member countries of APEC are expected to attend the third leg of the ABAC meetings.

ABAC 3rd LEG IN CEBU -- ABAC Philippines will be hosting the 3rd leg of the ABAC meetings in Cebu this coming July. ABAC Philippines members Sabin Aboitiz, Joanne de Asis, and Tomas Alcantara are looking forward to showcase the warm hospitality and rich culture of the Philippines to the 21 member economies.
With the theme “Equity, Sustainability, and Opportunity,” ABAC Philippines aims to encourage more fruitful discussions and collaborations between business leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the region.
ABAC Philippines members Sabin Aboitiz, Joanne de Asis, the country lead for the Financial Task Force, and Tomas Alcantara cited the need to promote the development of MSMEs in the region. In the Philippines, MSMEs account for 96 percent of the country’s total business establishments.
“ABAC Philippines aims to encourage more fruitful discussions and collaborations between business leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the region. This year’s theme puts a spotlight on the critical role of MSMEs in the global economy, as well as the evolving environment, social, and governance (ESG) investing landscape,” said Aboitiz.
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.
For his role, Alcantara said “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.”
Joanne 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.”
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. The conference will be held at the NUSTAR Convention Center in Cebu City, Philippines from July 27 to 30, 2023.
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.
In addition, ABAC Philippines is looking forward to showcase the warm hospitality and rich culture of the Philippines to the 21 member economies.
The Philippines, known for its vibrant culture and resilient economy, offers a perfect backdrop for this important gathering. An archipelago of thousands of interconnected islands, the nation embodies the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that underpins the APEC economies. Like the islands that work together to create a cohesive whole, the APEC economies are interconnected and interdependent, each contributing to the larger ecosystem. Working together, APEC economies can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead, working towards a shared vision of sustainable and inclusive growth for all.