(Photo courtesy of Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official Facebook page)
By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to fly on Sunday, Jan. 15, for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland where he will present the Philippines’ economic performance and push for other priorities.
During the pre-departure briefing earlier this week, Malacañang Press Briefer Daphne Oseña-Paez said this is an opportunity to forward priorities on food and energy security, digitalization, climate action, and to seek more investments and partnerships.
Marcos will also mention trade, addressing inequality, and providing accessible social services.
“World Economic Forum is an economic forum. So, it’s the time for the Philippines to, since we’re at the world stage, to let them know what our country is doing in terms of being ready, and attractive for investments, and that’s what was discussed this morning,” Oseña-Paez said.
Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Carlos Sorreta said this is also a “good time” to represent the country and the region, noting that Marcos “will be the only leader from ASEAN to be in Davos, and he will be only one of two leaders from Asia.”
“The President goes to Davos at a time when our country, and our region is recovering, well, from the past challenges where projections remain high for economic growth in our country and our region. And we have a realization in our region that individual and collective economic potential remains great, and there is a lot of hope and optimism,” he said.
“So the President will be leading our economic team composed of government officials and business leaders, and we will present the country’s economic performance – which tops growth in the region – before an audience of international CEOs,” he added.
Sorreta said Marcos will participate in a high-level dialogue session with other world leaders and is also set to discuss with stakeholders key areas including nutrition, global nutrition, and food security.
The Chief Executive will also have other activities, including business and bilateral meetings, as well as a meeting with more than 700 Filipinos from Switzerland and other parts of Europe.
“I understand that other Filipino community members from other parts of Europe have asked to attend and of course, they will be allowed to attend. So, they will be coming in from other countries in Europe to meet the President,” Sorreta said.
Marcos is also expected to mention the Sovereign Wealth Fund including its fundamentals and basis.
“It’s really more of a soft launch, it’s to introduce it. I understand it is evolving, we have the fullest respect for the Congressional process, and the open hearings that they’re having, and how to work out the details,” Sorreta said. -ag
