By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland was “productive” and is seen to bring more investors as well as boost the country’s tourism sector, according to Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno.
In a briefing, Diokno said the Philippine delegate was able to accomplish a “great deal” during their meetings with various investors and that their participation in WEF was “very timely” in order to invite potential investors to invest in the country.
“Maraming na-accomplish. We have meetings with the various [investors]– saka maraming top leaders dito saka businessmen during our opening session with the President,” Diokno said.
“Naipaliwanag naman natin iyong Philippine economy. Ang purpose talaga nito is to sell the country– nasaan tayo, ganoon,” he added.
Meanwhile, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan believes Marcos’ participation in WEF will invite more foreign investors.
“And I think that interaction proves very useful because as I said, they would want to hear whether the story that’s emerging in the Philippines is sustainable. It’s a long-term one because if they come in, it’s a long-term decision,” Balisacan stressed.
“Napaka-importante na pag-usapan ‘yung mga proyekto natin sa imprastraktura, mag-invite tayo ng mga investors and isa nga ito sa mga napag-usapan namin kagabi doon san isang dinner na nandoon ‘yung CEO ng mga big companies, not only in Asia, but in Europe,” Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista added in a separate interview.
Bautista said the Philippines’ 6.5 to 7% economic growth rate would impress other nations.
“Lagi ko sinasabi na this is our moment. Talagang we have a nice story to tell and it’s just a matter of implementation para gumanda talaga ang buhay ng Pilipinas at ng mga Pilipino,” Diokno added. – gb
