VIENTIANE — On Wednesday morning, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. touched down in Laos to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit. He was warmly welcomed by Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his wife, Vandara Siphandone. President Marcos was also joined by his own wife, First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos.
The theme for this year’s summit is “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” which means countries are coming together to find ways to improve communication and strengthen their economies to face global challenges.
President Marcos will stay in Laos until Friday and has a busy schedule ahead. One of his major roles will be as the keynote speaker at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, where he will discuss important topics like:
- Growing the digital economy
- Improving cybersecurity
- Training workers to learn new skills
- Supporting small businesses with better access to financing and technology
He will also focus on ways to make agriculture more sustainable, meaning finding methods to grow food in ways that are good for the environment, and will talk about promoting eco-friendly tourism.
In addition, the summit will address some serious global issues, including working together to fight against crimes that cross borders and responding to natural disasters. The leaders will also talk about human trafficking, an issue that is discussed at every summit.
With 82 documents expected to be signed by the end of the summit, these meetings are sure to make a big impact on the region.
It’s a busy and important time for President Marcos and the other ASEAN leaders, as they work together to shape the future of Southeast Asia.
