PH joins ABAC III with new member Kevin Tan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines joined business leaders from the 21 APEC economies on Tuesday as the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) opened its Third Meeting in Bangkok, with newly appointed ABAC Philippines Member Kevin L. Tan, president and chief executive officer of Alliance Global Group, making his first official participation in the council.

The Alliance Global Group is one of the Philippines’ largest diversified conglomerates with businesses spanning real estate, tourism, hospitality, food and beverage, and infrastructure.

Tan joins ABAC Philippines Chair Sabin M. Aboitiz and ABAC Philippines member Joanne de Asis in representing the Philippine private sector in the council.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Philippine delegation is also joined by alternate members Ambassador Francis Chua and Guillermo M. Luz.

FEATURED STORIES

GLOBALNATION

GLOBALNATION

GLOBALNATION

READ: Marcos tells Apec advisers: We’re listening to your suggestions

Critical moment

The four-day meeting comes at a critical moment for the Asia-Pacific economy as businesses confront slowing global growth, trade tensions, fragile supply chains, and the accelerating adoption of artificial intelligence.

Hosted by ABAC Thailand under the 2026 theme “Openness. Connectivity. Synergy,” the meeting will develop the business recommendations for presentation to APEC Economic Leaders during their annual dialogue in China this November.

Thailand’s Prime Minister H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul, who delivered the keynote address at the opening session, challenged governments to focus less on creating new incentives and more on removing barriers that prevent businesses from investing and creating jobs.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Governments are often very good at announcing policies. Businesses are much better at telling us what actually works,” the prime minister said, emphasizing that effective economic policy must be grounded in practical business experience.

He added that attracting long-term investment depends on creating confidence through “clear rules, fair competition, and easier market access.”

Article continues after this advertisement

He highlighted the Thailand Fast Pass initiative, which seeks to reduce bureaucracy, improve coordination among government agencies, and provide faster, more predictable pathways for quality investments.

The prime minister likewise underscored the importance of keeping markets open and strengthening regional supply chains through trust, transparent regulations, and deeper economic cooperation rather than fragmentation.

His message closely aligns with ABAC’s call for bold and coordinated regional action amid growing economic uncertainty.

READ: ABAC Philippines drives climate action with innovative climate risk scenarios project

The ABAC III meetings mark a critical stage in the Council’s annual work program, where business leaders build consensus on proposals ahead of the annual dialogue with APEC Economic Leaders in November.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Against a backdrop of trade uncertainty, fragile supply chains, and rapid technological change, deliberations this week are focused on keeping markets open, strengthening regional economic integration, accelerating digital transformation and AI adoption, supporting MSMEs, and advancing a more sustainable and resilient regional economy.