23rd Stop:

Manila, the Philippines

The 23rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting convened in Manila, the Philippines, on Nov. 18, 2015. Discussions focused on regional economic integration, small and medium-sized enterprises, human resource development and sustainable growth. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Leaders’ Declaration — Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World: A Vision for an Asia-Pacific Community — as well as the APEC Strategy for Strengthening Quality Growth and the APEC Services Cooperation Framework.

Located on Luzon Island, Manila is the capital and largest port city of the Philippines. Spanning 638.55 sqkm, it serves as the nation’s economic hub, housing more than half of the country’s industrial enterprises and contributing 60% of its total output. In December 2025, Manila was named the “World’s Leading City Destination.”