President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. departed for Davos, Switzerland on Sunday morning for the World Economic Forum (WEF) where he aims to seal more investments for the country.

Marcos said he was looking forward to his participation in the summit which will give him the opportunity to present to the world the Philippines’ economic development efforts, as well as the steps it is taking to address various pressing concerns.

“The World Economic Forum is hosting a Country Strategy Dialogue for us where we are given the opportunity to promote the Philippines as leader and driver of growth and a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region – one that is open for business – ever ready to complement regional and global expansion plans of both foreign and Philippine-based enterprises anchored on the competent and well-educated Filipino workers, managers, and professionals,” Marcos said in his departure speech on Jan. 15.

The President will attend the first in-person meeting of the WEF since 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world.

“As such, our theme of ‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World’ is quite apropos. We will highlight the steps the Philippines is taking to mend the fissures of such fragmentation, especially in our country but certainly in partnership with our friends, allies, and partners around the world,” he said.

He further said that he will also take the opportunity to exchange views with other business and world leaders on the challenges posed by rising food prices, the impact of conflict in other parts of the world, and the continuing existential threat posed by climate change.

He noted that the country is also being given a “unique opportunity” to highlight the significant economic gains achieved in the last part of the year as attested to by upward growth projections of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

“I will draw attention to our efforts at building resilient infrastructure that bolsters our efforts to reinforce robust and resilient supply chains, ensure food security including its critical interlinkages with health and nutrition, while furthering climate-friendly, clean and green energy to power the Philippine economy,” Marcos said.

He will also share the country’s experience “as a model for managing” the disruptive and transformative impact of Covid-19 to global partners.

“I intend to share our efforts in saving both lives and livelihoods, as well as the people-centered next steps that we are taking to ensure that we are ready to meet the lingering effects of the pandemic and address the occurrence of the next one,” he said.

“I look forward to meeting with various government and business leaders at the WEF and strengthen our partnerships in the years to come,” he added.

The chief executive was invited by Professor Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the WEF, when they met at the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related summits in Cambodia last year.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Betheena Unite

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