Marcos meets with US firm owners, WB execs; bares reasons why PH top investment spot

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday met more American firm owners in a bid to bring more investment opportunities and bolster job creation in the country.

This developed as he also met World Bank Group officials in New York, saying he is grateful for the financial institution’s support and vowed to continue partnering with them to improve the lives of Filipinos.

“We are privileged to meet with World Bank Group officials on our fourth day in the United States,” President Marcos said in a Facebook post.

“The World Bank has stood with the Philippines in the most challenging times, bringing resources, linkages, and partnerships to bear on the country’s social, economic, and environmental initiatives since 1945.”

Aside from meeting World Bank officials, Marcos also met Cargill officials at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York.

The meeting took place a day after the President’s attendance at the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly where he conveyed in his national statement the key issues important to the Philippines such as agriculture and food security.

Cargill, an American global food corporation, has been operating for over 155 years, providing agricultural products, farming services, and risk management solutions worldwide.

To date, it has around 155,000 employees, serving customers and communities in over 70 countries/regions through safe, responsible, and sustainable means.

Marcos: PH top investment spot

Marcos Jr. on Friday touted the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals and enabling policies as among the main reasons that make the Philippines a leading investment destination.

In a speech at the Asia Society in New York, Marcos said the Philippine economy expanded by 5.7 percent last year and 7.8 percent in the first half of this year.

“Growth was broad-based, driven not only by government spending but also by household consumption and investments, reinforced by consumer and business confidence,” said Marcos.

Marcos also cited enabling policies and investor-friendly laws that seek to “leverage game-changing reforms.”

The chief executive likewise took note of the country’s human capital and boasted of an “English-speaking workforce” that is globally competitive.

“Another strong point is our human capital. We boast of a young, educated, hardworking, and English-speaking workforce that is among the best in the world,” said Marcos.

Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to build bridges of understanding between the East and West.

Marcos is on the final day of his six-day trip to the United States, where he delivered a historic speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

Marcos also met with heads of state, including US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well as American business leaders from a wide range of sectors in a bid to yield investment pledges and bolster job creation.