Serving as an important bridge between the government and the private sector, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) will play a crucial role in sustaining the momentum of inclusive global economic growth through joint initiatives on digital economy, food security, and empowerment of the marginalized, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Recognizing the potential of the digital economy in enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), the chief executive called for international initiatives to harness the advantages of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI).
‘By streamlining rules, investing in digital infrastructure and platforms, and equipping our MSMEs and workforce with the skills and tools they need to compete globally, we can secure our collective resilience and ensure that growth remains inclusive,’ Marcos said in his intervention at the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting informal dialogue at the Hwabaek International Convention Center in Gyeongju, South Korea on Friday.
‘Through cooperation, regulatory transparency, and capacity building, we can ensure that the benefits of growth extend across all services sectors, powered by digital transformation and the responsible use of AI,’ he added.
The President said an innovation-driven economy may be achieved through the ‘Incheon Plan,’ which was approved by Apec Finance Ministers’ Process.
‘This plan addresses emerging challenges through adaptive fiscal policies, strengthened climate resilience mechanisms, and modernized regulatory frameworks to foster innovation and digital transformation,’ Marcos said.
The Philippines, he said, is ready to support such integration, which can spur regional innovation and economic growth and even help combat climate change by highlighting initiatives from the private sector.
The Plan, the chief executive said, can augment the National AI Strategy Roadmap of the Department of Science and Technology.
Under the roadmap. AI will be used to enhance public services and streamline trade; amplify MSMEs innovation, automate processes, and make ‘smarter data-driven’ decisions for its users.
Sustained momentum
The Apec economies, he said, must collaborate with the Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac) ‘to develop frameworks to address gaps in infrastructure investment for energy security, energy transition, and digital transformation.’
To support food security in Apec, he also called on its members to complete the negotiations of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.
‘Within Apec, we can build on this momentum by strengthening the platforms for dialogue between the public and private sectors, ensuring that business perspectives shape our regional strategies and initiatives,’ Marcos said.
Joint initiatives of the public and private sector can also enhance the competitiveness of women and children by eliminating gender gaps.
‘Empowering women to participate fully in the economy could add as much as US$28 trillion to global GDP [gross domestic product], making this the most critical investment for sustained growth,’ Marcos said.
‘Together, we can unlock the full potential of our peoples to foster peace, bolster shared prosperity, and build resilience across our region and beyond,’ he added.
The private sector can help business barriers such as regulatory fragmentation, uneven digital infrastructure, and supply chain vulnerabilities persist through policy advocacy and cross-border standardization.
‘Businesses must not only benefit from progress but actively co-create the future by leading in technology development, supporting startups, embedding sustainability, and upholding good corporate governance that builds trust and accountability,’ Marcos said.
Investment destination
In his keynote speech before the Apec CEO Summit on Friday, Marcos invited the participants from the private sector to invest in the Philippines, citing its ‘deep institutional and business-friendly’ reforms such as the Republic Act (RA) No. 11966 or Public-Private Partnership Code; RA 12252 or the ‘Investors’ Lease Act;’ RA 12253 or the ‘Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act.’
Companies which will consider setting operations in the Philippines can also take advantage of its growing free trade agreements (FTA). He noted that the country has ongoing FTA negotiations with the European Union, Chile, and is working on possible membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
He said the agreements are key to fostering cooperation, innovation, and rules-based integration enabling harmonized standards and transparent supply chains.
The advantages, Marcos said, give the country an edge to companies that will invest in it.
‘Let me make our message clear, the Philippines is open and eager to do business with you. The Philippines offers more than just a strategic location at the heart of the region. We bring a dynamic workforce, a thriving economic system and an unwavering commitment to sustainable prosperity,’ Marcos said.
He also urged them to support the Philippines as it hosts the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) , where they are committed to a stronger public-private partnership.
Among the highlights of the Asean Summit next year, Marcos said, will be the signing of the Asean Digital Economy framework agreement to help the region target US$2 trillion by 2030.
‘As the Philippines takes on the Asean chairship 2026, we stand ready to build a more connective, competitive and sustainable regional economy-driven by deeper cooperation and shared growth,’ Marcos said.