World Economic Forum was really organized so that businesses from all over the world can come together ‘no along with government, as well as people from the academe and I think in this particular — for this year, there’s about 2,700 participants, 1,600 of which are from business sector.

I think this is the first time in almost 10 years, I believe, that we’ve actually participated. As you know, seven of the largest corporations are actually part of this contingent.

So I think that is a very strong signal that the Philippines is open for business and that we are — I think this is a good chance for us to showcase what the growth story of the Philippines as a country.

I believe President Marcos has been very effective in showcasing the Philippines’ — our strength. But also showcasing that this government is open for business and open to partnerships with other governments, but as well as with partnerships with private sector and that we are here trying to bring in really foreign investments ‘no.

On a political front, I think also my view is that the President has really shown that the Philippines really is a friend to all and we’re not necessarily leaning more towards the West or the East, that we’re very, very balance in where we are positioned. And I think that’s the right strategy because you know our location as a country is so strategic.

You know, we are right in the middle of Asia and we are — four-hour flight distance to 70 percent of Asia, so that is — that puts in a very good, a very important position, very strong position for tourism, logistics, manufacturing.

You know, for Alliance Global, as you know, we’re into real estate. We’re in tourism as well and more importantly, we have also global operations through our distilled spirits company. You know, we have operations in the UK. We have operations in Spain. And we have operations as well in Mexico.

And so in a way we are a Filipino company with a very strong global presence. And I think this forum is very important for a company like ours. You know, I think, there’s a lot of meetings on the sidelines. There’s a lot of things you can learn. But also partnerships and cooperation that can be created ‘no from this particular platform.

You know, like I said, on another note, I think the Philippines as well, we are very strong — strongly invested in tourism and so you know, it’s a way for us to also promote the Philippines.

Well, you know, I think that this — we’re very excited to join President Marcos this, I guess this trip, and I guess his journey for the Philippines. After two years of this pandemic, as he has said, we kind of taken step back but I guess in that process there’s so much realization but what is needed really is global cooperation.

And our President is a firm believer in globalization, coming through the World Economic Forum, I think that his belief can be made known to a large audience and that I think will give the Philippines a lot of credibility in the global community.

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SOURCE: PCO-PND (Presidential News Desk)