PH calls for immediate FTAAP work program implementation
Published Jul 29, 2023 10:03 am
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Updated Jul 29, 2023 10:03 am
The Philippines has called for the immediate implementation of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) Agenda Work Plan to realize further trade liberalization among the 21-member nations of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said in a speech during the opening plenary of the 3rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) meeting on Friday, July 28, in Cebu, participated in by ABAC members from respective APEC economies.
"The Philippines views the FTAAP as a mechanism to boost economic recovery in the region, especially for MSMEs most affected by the pandemic. We thus support the immediate implementation of the FTAAP Agenda Work Plan which contributes to APEC's sustainability and inclusion objectives," said Pascual.
With that, the Philippine trade chief recognized ABAC's strong push for the eventual realization of the FTAAP.
Pascual also commended the efforts of ABAC in shaping a strong, credible, and relevant World Trade Organization (WTO).
As the Philippines hosts this year’s 3rd ABAC Meeting with the theme “Equity, Sustainability, Opportunity”, Pascual took the opportunity to highlight the need for the government and the private sector to work collaboratively in addressing issues crucial to economic recovery and growth.
For this year’s work program, the ABAC will have initial areas of focus on economic integration working group; sustainable growth working group; digital and innovation working group; finance task force; and inclusion task force.
The ABAC Philippines, host to this year’s 3rd ABAC Meeting, likewise cited that they are currently focused on several initiatives such as promoting the availability and accessibility of climate risk scenario information and exploring the viability of nuclear energy as a zero-carbon energy source, and other use cases under the Sustainable Growth Working Group. Further, they are focusing on enhancing cross-border data flow in financial services. On the part of the DTI, its main priorities include APEC’s Support for the Safe Passage of Maritime Crew in the COVID-19 Era; Boracay Action Agenda to Globalize MSMEs (BAA); and APEC Trade Repository. Aligned with this year's ABAC meeting theme, the DTI aims to provide equal opportunities for all, promote regulations for environmental stewardship, and commit to fostering a digitally inclusive APEC community. “The partnership between the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) is not just something we value, it is a cornerstone of our vision for the future. It exemplifies the power of synergy—when government and business come together and connect, we lay the groundwork for a trade environment that is not just functional, but inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. This dynamic collaboration enables us to stay agile and responsive as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology,” he said in a speech. In line with this year’s theme, ABAC Philippines focused on helping communities build back stronger through collective efforts. With critical goals to pursue, Pascual also called for stronger partnership and collaboration among APEC Member Economies in crafting policy reforms that would spur economic growth.
3rd ABAC MEETING IN CEBU -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (podium) addresses business leaders during the Asia Pacific Business Advisory Council meeting in Cebu. Shown in photo (seated from left to right) are Presidential Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go; Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr.; ABAC Chair Dominic Ng; Sabin Aboitiz of ABAC Philippines; Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual; and, US APEC Senior Official Mr. Matt Murray.
The ABAC Philippines, host to this year’s 3rd ABAC Meeting, likewise cited that they are currently focused on several initiatives such as promoting the availability and accessibility of climate risk scenario information and exploring the viability of nuclear energy as a zero-carbon energy source, and other use cases under the Sustainable Growth Working Group. Further, they are focusing on enhancing cross-border data flow in financial services. On the part of the DTI, its main priorities include APEC’s Support for the Safe Passage of Maritime Crew in the COVID-19 Era; Boracay Action Agenda to Globalize MSMEs (BAA); and APEC Trade Repository. Aligned with this year's ABAC meeting theme, the DTI aims to provide equal opportunities for all, promote regulations for environmental stewardship, and commit to fostering a digitally inclusive APEC community. “The partnership between the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) is not just something we value, it is a cornerstone of our vision for the future. It exemplifies the power of synergy—when government and business come together and connect, we lay the groundwork for a trade environment that is not just functional, but inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. This dynamic collaboration enables us to stay agile and responsive as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology,” he said in a speech. In line with this year’s theme, ABAC Philippines focused on helping communities build back stronger through collective efforts. With critical goals to pursue, Pascual also called for stronger partnership and collaboration among APEC Member Economies in crafting policy reforms that would spur economic growth.