Aboitiz Group calls on regional gov’ts for holistic solutions to pandemic, faltering economies

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY – The Aboitiz Group called on and encouraged regional governments to find holistic solutions to address the converging crises of the pandemic, faltering economies and the impact of climate change.

In a virtual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council Philippines (ABAC) on August 3, Aboitiz Group president and CEO Sabin Aboitiz said that in the last 18 months, people have witnessed how strong partnerships and multilateral collaboration are keys to creating immediate, effective, and sustainable solutions against the pandemic.

These are extremely vital components towards inclusive economic recovery and the group is optimistic that ABAC policy recommendations, which are putting emphasis on these key issues on the table as our APEC Ministers and leaders plot the next steps forward, Aboitiz added.

“We need to have a shared world mindset to make a real impact especially because 2.9 billion people in this region are counting on us to succeed,” Aboitiz explained, citing the ‘APEC in Charts 2020’ report by the APEC Policy Support Unit.

Aboitiz also reiterated calls by ABAC Chair Rachel Tauleilei for a reformed World Trade Organization (WTO) that can be an enabler of the proposed Free Trade Area in the Asia-Pacific and capitalize on the growing potential of the digital economy as the region begins to pivot towards recovery.

In support of ABAC’s stance on the importance of vaccination to jumpstart economic recovery, the Aboitiz Group has rolled out its vaccination program and campaign to encourage its team members and their families to get inoculated.

Moreover, the company was among the private organizations that signed on to procure COVID-19 vaccines for the country with half being distributed to fortify the government’s vaccination rollout to its targeted priority sectors.

While no business was spared from the financial impact of the pandemic, its far-reaching economic consequences have burdened struggling small businesses, informal workers, and marginalized sectors, Aboitiz commented.

Aboitiz went on that as a company with a regional footprint, the Aboitiz’ primary role is to make sure vital services remain uninterrupted, especially for those whose lives depend on them.

“But no entity can do it alone, so we need support from all sectors to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to improve their lives. The greatest lesson we take away from this ongoing pandemic is about our great responsibility as a business to the communities we serve.” Aboitiz said. (Photos: Google Images)