His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah stressed that in order for APEC to remain purposeful and be a value-add to other regional economic frameworks post-2020, it must have the long-term support of the public to instil a sense of ownership of its future.  His Majesty delivered the titah during the 25th Session of APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) at the Intercontinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort in Da Nang in the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

Upon arrival at the resort, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was greeted by His Excellency Tran Dai Quang, the President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam as Chairman of the 25th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. The Retreat Session, which carries the theme, "Innovative Growth, Inclusion and Sustainable Employment in the Digital Age," commenced with a speech from the President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

During the session, Madame Christine Lagarde, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also briefed on the state of the global and regional economy.

During the Retreat Session, His Majesty in a titah expressed the view that, in building the positive momentum in the global economy, APEC must continue to emphasise global trade to boost productivity, foster innovation, create jobs, and achieve sustainable development in the region. His Majesty reiterated the need to achieve the Bogor Goals by 2020, including addressing structural reform and in maximising the potential of the services sector.

Brunei Darussalam meanwhile continues to improve its Ease of Doing Business and to further open up the financial services sector, such as through the launching of the Financial Sector Blueprint (FSBP) 2016-2025.

His Majesty also underscored that the benefits of economic integration should be widely shared in the region by expanding the participation of its stakeholders.  In this regard, His Majesty welcomed the Action Agenda on Promoting Economic, Financial and Social Inclusion in the APEC Region and the APEC Framework on Human Resource Development (HRD) in the Digital Age in helping to promote inclusive growth in the region.

 The Monarch also emphasised the importance for APEC to have good engagement with its community, including in helping them embrace changes brought by technology through policy adjustments in education and labour. His Majesty further stated that the HRD Framework would complement efforts to enhance the marketability and employability of Brunei Darussalam's human resources with initiatives under the i-Ready apprenticeship programme and Capacity Building Centre.

At midday, His Majesty, together with the other APEC Economic Leaders, proceeded to attend a Working Lunch at Citron Restaurant, Intercontinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort.  His Majesty also joined other APEC Economic Leaders for a group photo session.  The Working Lunch brought forth the topic, "Fostering a Shared Future."  At the end of the Retreat, the APEC Leaders' Meeting endorsed the "Da Nang Declaration."        

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by Brudirect

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