Gyeongju: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. aims to position the Philippines as a dependable partner for international investments during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, according to Philippine Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese Fernandez.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos will participate in the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, joining leaders, senior officials, and top business figures from the 21-member bloc. This region represents 46 percent of global trade and 61 percent of the world’s gross domestic product. Fernandez stated in an interview with state-run RTVM that the President will emphasize the Philippines’ readiness and reliability for investments at the summit.

Marcos will showcase the country’s capability to fulfill the needs of both multinational and local companies, emphasizing his administration’s dedication to transparency, predictability, and partnership. Additionally, on the sidelines of APEC, Marcos is scheduled to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to reinforce the Strategic Partnership established between their nations last year.

The diplomat highlighted that both leaders have previously communicated via phone, discussing shared interests in labor rights and inclusive growth. South Korea stands as the Philippines’ fifth-largest trading partner, with approximately 70,000 Filipinos residing and working in various sectors, such as factories, education, and creative industries.

Fernandez remarked that President Marcos prioritizes the Filipino people during his international engagements. Upon his arrival on Thursday, Marcos will meet with the Filipino community in Busan before participating in APEC-related activities the following day. In his departure statement, the President expressed his intention to use this significant gathering to assert that the Philippines is not only ready but also a forward-thinking partner in the Asia-Pacific region. “Invest in the Filipino,” he urged.