By Antonio Colina IV

President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to highlight that the Philippines “is ready for business” before state leaders and key senior officials attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Lima, Peru.

In his departure speech on Thursday, November 17, at the F. Bangoy International Airport, Duterte said he will emphasize his 10-point socioeconomic agenda, particularly the ease of doing business, reforms in governance, massive investment in infrastructure and rural development, and increased investments in human capital.

“This is an important opportunity for the Philippines to work closely with economic partners in the region to take stock of the efforts to facilitate economic growth and prosperity in Asia Pacific and to determine ways of moving forward to achieve shared goals,” he said.

The president especially would want the country to deepen and broaden economic engagement with Latin American nations.

Duterte said that he vowed to do all he can to ensure business, particularly micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will thrive and flourish in the country.

He said he will banner the government policy support and his administration’s efforts to address corruption and criminality as “building blocks of a strong and resilient economy aimed at inclusive and continued growth.”

He emphasized the need to harness the potentials of the Asia-Pacific region that will benefit all the people “in the march for greater progress and prosperity,” while emphasizing that human development is at the core of this program for inclusive growth and sustainable development.