QUEZON CITY (PIA) – The Philippine delegation's attendance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) was not merely to highlight the policies and programs of the country but to know its real key role in a world divided by crises and the effects of the pandemic.
Thus, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos said during his arrival Saturday from his five-day trip to Davos, Switzerland.
“The process that we undertook in Davos, was not simply to highlight the new economic situation, the new policies, the new conDeletecepts that we are promoting in the Philippines today but also to learn from the world economic leaders, what part the Philippines can play in this fragmented world,” the President said.
Marcos said that during their entire participation in the forum, they were able to define the role of the country in bringing back cooperation with other countries while recovering together and facing global economic issues.
“We are seen to play a part in that, specially as a member-state in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and as a leading economy in Asia,” Marcos added.
The forum, which gathers heads of state and government, business CEOs, civil society representatives, global media and youth leaders, aims to address systemic risks to avoid uncertainty and fragility in the world economy and seeks to drive forward-looking solutions and address the most pressing global challenges through public-private cooperation.
Moreover, the President was able to meet key executives of companies such as DP World, Glencore, and Morgan Stanley. The business meetings promise great benefits for the country as more investments and partnership are to be expected in the near future in the sectors of mining, processing, digital solutions, logistics, renewable fuel, telecommunications, and more.
The multinational investment firm Morgan Stanley made a commitment to invest in the country and open an office in Manila to support the administration’s aggressive development agenda.
On the other hand, logistics company DP World has committed to expand its operations in the Philippines and eyes to set up an industrial park in Clarkfield, Pampanga.
The President underscored his optimism that the country would be able to overcome the many obstacles at hand because of its very, very good and young labor force. He said Filipino workers are well-trained, sophisticated, adaptive, resilient, and most of all are good English-speakers. And in terms of technological knowhow, are on equal footing as any other country.
Marcos discussed and consulted other world economic leaders about the sovereign wealth fund or the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) as a means to leverage government assets to fund big-ticket infra projects and other various welfare effects for the people.
The President and his delegation met with the Filipino Community in Zurich in their last day of stay in Switzerland. He commended the Overseas Filipino Workers who have kept the Philippine economy afloat even during uncertainties.
Marcos was joined by the First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, his economic team, Former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, other Cabinet members, Senator Mark Villar, House Speaker Martin Romualdez and CEOs of PH business companies during the six-day trip. (PIA-NCR)
