UPDATED: 00:06 NOVEMBER 14, 2021Rodrigo Duterte said a "closer international cooperation" is required to hasten the Asia-Pacific region's economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. "Closer international cooperation is needed to address these constraints and to ensure that all countries recover from this crisis," Duterte said in his speech during the virtual 28th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. Duterte attributed the uneven recovery among coronavirus-hit countries to weak domestic systems or pre-pandemic economic fault lines, as well as structural and artificial constraints in the global economy. The President told APEC leaders that there is a need for "improved risk management systems, better response and mitigation measures, and stronger support mechanisms for vulnerable communities." PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, during his virtual participation in the 28th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Source: Manila Times November 13, 2021 16:35 UTC