MANILA, Philippines- Isang testamento ng matatag na ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos ang unang United States trade mission sa bansa (Pilipinas).
Ipinahayag ito ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa naging pulong nito kay US Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo at mga delegado ng Presidential Trade and Investment Mission (PTIM) sa Palasyo ng Malakanyang, araw ng Lunes, Marso 11 bago pa siya tumulak patungong Berlin.
Sinabi ng Pangulo sa mga opisyal ng Estados Unidos na ang naturang event ay isang pagkakataon para sa Pilipinas na ipakita ang iba’t ibang investment opportunities.
“Today’s gathering not only signifies a meeting of officials, but also celebrates the enduring relations between the Philippines and the United States—ties that have been built on shared sacrifices, mutual support, and unwavering respect,” ang sinabi ng Chief Executive sa kanyang toast remarks.
Ang PTIM sa Pilipinas ay inanunsyo sa isinagawang expanded bilateral meeting sa pagitan nina Pangulong Marcos at US President Joe Biden sa White House noong May 2023. Kinumpirma naman ito Raimondo noong nakaraang Nobyembre sa pulong ng Export Council ni President Biden.
“The announcement of the intent to dispatch a Presidential Trade and Investment Mission into the Philippines was made at the White House last year, and less than a year later, we proudly witness the missions come to fruition here in Malacañang,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos.
“In our prior discussions, we addressed many areas of mutual interest, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation and arrangements on various fronts. This event also offers us the opportunity to highlight the positive economic strides that we made last year and showcase diverse investment opportunities in the country,” dagdag na pahayag nito.
Sa kabila ng global challenges, kumpiyansa naman ang Pangulo na nakahanda ang Pilipinas na mapalakas ang pagganap nito sa 2023.
“Our growth prospects are promising, driven by decisive policy measures, a robust external position, anticipated key tax reforms, and significant foreign investments, notably from the United States, a longstanding top source of foreign direct investments,” wika niya.
Sa kaparehong pulong, binanggit ng Pangulo na ang Pilipinas ay tatayong co-host ng US the sixth Indo-Pacific Business Forum sa May 21, 2024.
“The forum aims to foster connections and partnerships among businesses, governments, and civil society participants,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos. Kris Jose
