Philippine Ambassador to Washington DC Jose Manuel Romualdez
Amb. Romualdez to US firms: ASEAN region open for business
PHILIPPINE Ambassador to Washington DC Jose Manuel Romualdez has called on US companies to expand their business in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Romualdez’ invitation was made during an in-person networking event in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, when the Philippines kicked off its chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Washington D.C. (ACW).
Held at the Chamber’s rooftop with safety protocols in place, the event was attended by ambassadors and officials of the ASEAN Embassies in Washington D.C. and representatives of U.S. private companies.
“The ASEAN region is open for business,” Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, current Chair of the ACW, said in his remarks, as he gave an open invitation to the Chamber’s members to expand their business in the region.
He noted the long and vibrant partnership between ACW and USCC, and stressed the importance of working together towards post-pandemic economic recovery especially in the ASEAN region which has been severely affected by the pandemic.
Romualdez added that during this challenging time, the region must remain resilient and keep a stable economic environment to facilitate a more sustainable economic recovery.
The Chamber-hosted networking event is the first of activities lined up under the Philippine Chairmanship of the ACW from September to December 2021.
Meanwhile, Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark underscored the importance of the ASEAN region to the United States. She said that investments of the U.S. in ASEAN exceed its combined investments in China, Japan, and Korea. Affiliates of U.S. companies operating in the region have also recorded total sales of more than half a trillion dollars.
“We need to be thoughtful, and strategic, about how we grow this relationship for our mutual benefit and prosperity,” she said, stressing the potential role of the ASEAN region in addressing the U.S. supply chain disruptions as U.S. manufacturers deal with global supply shortages.
