President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to attend New Zealand’s hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week on Nov. 12.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this announcement in a regular Palace press briefing on Tuesday.

“Inaasahan dadalo via video conferencing ang Pangulo sa Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC sa Nov. 12 (The President is expected to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC on Nov. 12 via video conferencing),” Roque said.

Duterte is expected to attend all APEC opening and closing ceremonies, the Global Economic Outlook: Presentation by the International Monetary Fund; Recovering from Covid-19 Build Prosperity for All our People and Future Generations; and the Handover ng APEC chairing to Thailand.

APEC is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to create greater prosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure growth and by accelerating regional economic integration, according to its official website.

APEC’s 21 member economies are Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; The Philippines; The Russian Federation; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States of America; Viet Nam.

New Zealand will be the first economy to host an entirely virtual host year of the APEC.

In June, the New Zealand government announced it would make the move to a digital event to provide certainty to make the event happen.

APEC New Zealand Deputy Secretary Andrea Smith said global disruption caused by Covid-19 and resulting border restrictions were a major factor in the decision to go virtual.

The event is expected to bring together and enhance the rules for international trade and investment.

“Hosting APEC in 2021 is a really important opportunity for New Zealand to be at the leading edge of shaping the agenda of the Asia Pacific,” Smith said.

She said action will help ensure the work that APEC does throughout New Zealand’s host year and beyond is “very much able to contribute” to the economic recovery of the region.

Traditionally, hundreds of APEC events are hosted over 12 months, culminating in the APEC leaders’ meeting. (PNA)