MANILA - The 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week hosted by the Philippines and chaired by President Benigno S. Aquino III officially commenced on Friday in Manila.

Under the theme, "Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World," Leaders, Ministers and Senior Officials from APEC member economies, the world's largest regional economic group, will take new joint actions to boost trade and growth in the Pacific Rim while ensuring that the benefits are widely felt.

There will be four priorities discussed in this year's APEC summit, namely enhancing regional economic integration, fostering micro, small and medium enterprise participation in regional and global markets, investing in human capital development, and building sustainable and resilient communities.

"APEC is not just a trade and investment facilitation forum; it also discusses development issues," explained Ambassador Laura Q. Del Rosario, Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the 2015 APEC Senior Officials' Meeting.

The week will culminate with the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on Nov 18 and 19 during which leaders of APEC economies will discuss strategic vision and directives for future collaboration.