Marcos in Thailand for APEC; seen to discuss food, energy security

BANGKOK, Thailand —President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. arrived in Thailand on Wednesday evening, where he is set to discuss with economic and business leaders of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) nations issues such as food security and energy.

Marcos arrived at the Don Mueang International Airport at around 5 p.m (6 p.m. Philippine time, onboard flight PR001.

He was accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and the Philippine delegation for a four-day visit where he will take part in his first APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

The Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said Marcos and the First Lady are expected to meet King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana who are set to host APEC leaders and spouses.

“The President will be engaging with other leaders on how to tackle food and energy security and the economic inclusion of the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), among others,” the OPS said.

Data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) show that out of the 1.080 million businesses that operated in the Philippines in 2021, 99.58% were MSMEs.

This includes 978,612 or 90.54% micro enterprises, 93,230 or 8.63% small, 4,437 medium, and 4,531 or 0.42% large.

“The Philippine leader also looks forward to unlocking economic potential, digitalizing the country’s participation in the digital economy, pushing sustainable development, as well as addressing the climate change crisis,” the OPS said.

Marcos is expected to have at least six bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit, where he said he brings with him the dream of a “peaceful and prosperous” Asia Pacific region.

Hosted by Thailand, this year’s APEC Summit aims to revitalize recovery, revive growth, and integrate inclusivity among member nations.

Its 21 members include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.

The President is also set to meet with the Filipino community in Thailand during the working trip.—LDF, GMA Integrated News