APEC trip dubbed ‘robust, fruitful’

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. returned Sunday from Busan, South Korea, where he joined other world leaders in the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

Aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR001, Marcos and the Philippine delegation arrived in Manila at 2:22 p.m. In his arrival statement, Marcos described the summit discussions as “robust and fruitful.”

“Throughout the meetings, we focused on the themes of connectivity, innovation, and prosperity, which underpin APEC’s mission to foster growth that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” he said.

“We saw, once again, how APEC-member economies, despite our diversity, shared common aspirations, and how strongly we resonated in our desire to move forward together. We saw alignment in the urgency for resilient growth, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable development,” he added.

Marcos noted that the engagement among APEC leaders led to “meaningful and action-oriented pathways” for regional economic cooperation.

He said discussions also tackled key global concerns such as the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence, demographic shifts, and the growth of cultural and creative industries — issues that align with the Philippines’ vision for a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready economy.

During the meetings, Marcos advanced Philippine priorities, including narrowing the digital divide for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through equitable access to digital services and financial inclusion; promoting seamless movement of goods and people through infrastructure development; strengthening supply chain resilience amid crises; and expanding digital literacy and upskilling programs for MSMEs, women, and other key sectors.

“These priorities were well-received, and we identified concrete ways forward, as reflected in the outcome documents adopted during the visit,” he said.

Bilateral talks

On the sidelines, Marcos held bilateral talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chilean President Gabriel Boric, reaffirming commitments to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The President also met with executives from leading Korean conglomerates to explore partnerships in high-value sectors, including advanced electronics and semiconductors, clean energy, and defense-related industries.

“I also witnessed the signing of a supplemental agreement between the DTI’s Philippine Economic Zone Authority and Samsung Electro-Mechanics Philippines valued at over P50 billion, which is expected to generate more than 3,000 new high-technology jobs for Filipino engineers and technicians,” he said.

Marcos said he also looks forward to the training of Filipinos and the establishment of research and development centers in several universities across the country.

He added that South Korea’s investment in the Philippines is vital, noting that the country’s foreign direct investment reached $55 million in the first six months of 2025, a development that could lead to concrete, long-term commitments from Manila’s business partners.

“These business meetings, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, aim to significantly deepen economic ties, leveraging the momentum of the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force last year,” he said.

Filcom meeting

Marcos also met with members of the Filipino community in Busan, acknowledging their contributions to both countries.

“Their dedication and success bring pride to every Filipino and strengthen the enduring friendship between our two nations,” he said. “I encouraged them to stay united, to collaborate with us in building a stronger, more resilient Philippines.”

“Now, as we return home, let us all carry forward the momentum that we have built, translating our commitments and agreements into tangible results, forging lasting partnerships, and ensuring that the Asia-Pacific region continues to thrive — inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” he added.