Obama in Hawaii for APEC Summit
U.S. President Barack Obama is in his native Hawaii where Saturday, he will host an economic summit with Asia-Pacific leaders. The summit begins a nine-day trip for the president aimed at improving U.S. ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
During the two-day Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, President Obama is expected to discuss a proposed Pacific Rim free trade zone that includes the United States, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
Japan said Friday it will participate in the talks on the trade zone, boosting the chances of attracting other regional economic powers such as China.
From Hawaii - after a brief stop in Australia - Mr. Obama will make his second presidential trip to Indonesia, where he spent part of his boyhood. During his visit, he will become the first U.S. president to attend the East Asia Summit, which will take place on the tourist island of Bali.
Analysts say Mr. Obama is also using the trip to reassure allies the U.S. will play a key role in the region and serve as a counterweight to China＇s rising status.
During his weekly address Saturday, President Obama turned his attention to finding jobs for military veterans. Mr. Obama recorded the message Friday - Veterans Day - aboard the USS Carl Vinson in the western city of San Diego, California.
The president challenged businesses to hire more veterans, especially those returning from tours overseas.
President Obama says he is ready to sign legislation giving tax credits to businesses that hire veterans. The Senate has passed the measure, and the House of Representatives is set to vote on the bill next week. The measure is part of the president＇s $447 billion jobs package.
Republicans also used their weekly message to focus on jobs for veterans. Congressman Joe Heck of the western state of Nevada says Congress must step up and work together to help veterans who sacrifice so much for the country.
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