"There are four priorities that have been discussed at the ministerial meeting. The priorities are regional economic integration, the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises, building resilient communities — that has to do with disaster risk preparedness, food security — and human capital development," Esguerra said.
The ministerial meeting focused on integration and development, but has not considered the issue of a FTAAP agreement, Esguerra said. "FTAAP and TPP have been raised only in the context of promoting regional economic integration. But I am not sure they will go deeply into it," he added.
The APEC summit, currently underway in Manila, brings together 21 Pacific Rim countries, including the United States, Russia, China Japan, Australia and South Korea.
