MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reported on Saturday a fruitful outcome of his participation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland, which he said yielded beneficial trade and investment opportunities, as well as key partnerships supportive of his development agenda.
“I am pleased with the progress we have made during our crucial participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF), a truly global multi-stakeholder platform,” President Marcos said in his arrival statement at the Villamor Air Base.
“The trip has yielded beneficial outcomes relative to new trade and investment opportunities, and key partnerships forged to support our development program, a better appreciation for Filipino workers and professionals, and the promise of increased level of cooperation with various countries around the world," the President said.
According to the Chief Executive, the trip is unique for the medium- to long-term goodwill and interest that his team has generated for the country, enterprises and people.
Through the multi-stakeholder platform provided by WEF, the Philippines is able to articulate and exchange views on pressing issues that impact on the lives and livelihood of all Filipinos, Marcos said.
Through the President's WEF engagement, many leaders and experts in government, business, civic organizations and the academe in attendance received the good news that the Philippines is leading economic recovery and performance not only in the Asia-Pacific but in the whole world.
“That the Philippines is not only driving economic growth; we are also helping mend the fissures that have fragmented the world of late and doing our part to avert an economic crisis. We shared our insight and experience in being a resilient hardworking people – uniting in adversity and looking out for each other in crisis. And for this, I thank you,” President Marcos said.
While in Switzerland, the President took part in a chief executive officers (CEO) Dialogue on the Philippines under the auspices of the WEF, drawing attention to the Philippines' work across trade and investment, monetary and fiscal policies, food and energy security, climate action, structural reforms, digitalization, public-private partnerships, health and nutrition, education, and other social services.
The President highlighted at the WEF his administration’s policies, including the Philippine Development Plan, 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, and various other policies and legislations towards economic reforms.
The Chief Executive also took part in a High-Level Dialogue on “Investing in Infrastructure for Resilience” alongside a few other leaders and opened the panel session on “Moving Towards Nutrition Security,” discussing some of the efforts and goals set to achieve food and nutrition security.
“I took the opportunity as well to consult with our friends and partners in Davos on the sovereign wealth fund as a means for us to diversify our income sources, and to generate various welfare effects to the Filipino people, while recognizing that this is a collaborative work with experts and our lawmakers so that its final form is what we intend it to be,” Marcos said.
The President also met with WEF Founder and Chairman Emeritus Klaus Schwab, discussing partnerships and collaboration to help the Philippines sustain equitable and inclusive growth and provide for a better quality of life for Filipinos.
Also part of the President’s Switzerland trip was meeting world leaders to discuss how they can further cooperate to ensure there is lasting peace and prosperity for all.
Key executives of companies such as DP World, Glencore and Morgan Stanley also met with President Marcos, with many of them committing new investments in the Philippines.
The sectors with new investment prospects include mining and processing, digital solutions, logistics, telecommunications, and renewable fuel, among others.
Before departing for Manila, President Marcos met with the Filipino community in Switzerland and was serenaded by Aivan Mendoza, the grand finalist of The Voice France. (PND)
