New Delhi– President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led a roundtable here with Filipino and Indian captains of industry to strengthen two-way trade and investment, as well as promote the Philippines as a dynamic and open destination for strategic partnerships.
The roundtable with chief executive officers (CEOs), part of President Marcos’ five-day State Visit to India, was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry.
It gathered business leaders from various key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, healthcare, digital services, and manufacturing.
Leading Indian firms with active or planned investments in the Philippines and Filipino enterprises with a growing presence in India participated.
The roundtable also served as a platform for advancing the proposed Philippines-India Preferential Trade Agreement and deepening economic collaboration anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in automotive and electric vehicles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, healthcare, IT-BPM and digital services, and renewable energy.
President Marcos affirmed the Philippines’ readiness to support Indian investors through a more responsive business environment and closer government-to-business collaboration. The roundtable marks a key milestone in strengthening PH-India business ties and advancing mutual economic prosperity.
Also part of the President’s State Visit are one-on-one meetings with Indian business leaders and executives to explore new investment opportunities in the Philippines.
While in New Delhi, President Marcos met with top executives of GMR Group. The multinational conglomerate expressed strong interest in participating in the “Build Better More” program, especially in airport and energy projects.
GMR Group is particularly interested in the project to develop the Sangley Airport in Cavite. Joining the project would see it partner with Cavitex Holdings Inc. and House of Investments.
GMR Group is also eyeing bids for regional airports that may be opened by year end, as well as other infrastructure projects.
GMR already has a presence in the Philippines, with its infrastructure company co-operating the Mactan-Cebu International Airport with Megawide Construction Corporation. | PND
