By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the government is “ready to act” and will work closely with its Indian business partners to translate “priorities into real opportunities” as he showcased the Philippines as a prime investment hub, particularly in sectors like ICT, semiconductors, infrastructure, and clean energy.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion with 20 top business leaders from Manila and New Delhi, Marcos reiterated his call for a Philippine-India Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), describing the trade pact as a “strategic platform” to harness both nations’ strengths and elevate their economic partnership.
“We are working very hard together to find the common ground so as to make the passage or the agreement of the PTA come as quickly as possible,” he said.
“Furthermore, I’m directing the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) to lead Philippine efforts towards a Philippine-India [PTA], laying a strong foundation for deeper, more predictable and mutually beneficial economic integration,” he added.
The President also assured the business community that the government is committed to fostering a responsive and investor-friendly environment by actively listening to their concerns and acting on them.
He mentioned legislative amendments and policy reforms aimed at sustaining Philippine economic growth, such as establishing green lanes for strategic investment; Public-Private Partnership Code of the Philippines; amendments to Renewable Energy Act; CREATE MORE Act; and Enterprise-Based Education and Training Framework Act.
“The Philippine government hears you. We are ready to act, and we’ll work closely with our Indian partners to translate your priorities into real opportunities,” the Chief Executive noted.
“We are here not only to present to you the Philippines as an investment, as an investment destination, we are also here to listen to you, so that we in the Philippines know what it is that you require to bring that investment to the Philippines.”
