ASEAN integration key to poverty alleviation: DTI

FILE: DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez (Photo: ALBERT ALCAIN/PPD)

MANILA — Regional economic integration will greatly contribute to poverty alleviation.

This was stressed by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez during the 15th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Meeting at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Pasay City Sunday.

“The theme Inclusive, ‘Innovation-led Growth’ acknowledges the socio-economic dimension of regional economic integration and its contribution to poverty alleviation,” he added.

Lopez said this priority urges ASEAN members to strengthen its commitment for more inclusive participation in the process of community-building where all nations are partners making significant contributions.

“This will likewise ensure that the gains presented by economic integration are fully realized and shared by everyone in the region,” he added.

“I remember our President Duterte also highlighting this point at the recently-concluded APEC wherein for us, the leaders, the way globalization should work is that everyone should emerge as winners, and that globalization should not produce winners and losers but everyone as winners,” the DTI chief concluded. (with Ferdinand G. Patinio/ PNA)