PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, August 30, encouraged Chinese businessmen to invest in the Philippines, as he assured them that their investments would be protected.
In a speech delivered in a business forum in China, the President told Chinese investors that a corrupt-free business environment awaits them in the Philippines.
“Well, we do business. I understand that you businessmen have the money and you want to do business because you want to earn profits. That is given. It is well understood by the Philippines. And therefore, part of our hesitancy before was that the Philippines was a corrupt country and not a peaceful one,” the President told Chinese businessmen.
“Well, I would like to assure you that during my term, I will not allow corruption. And if you go to the Philippines with your partners or he must have something there as an agent, let him come to me for any of your problems,” he added.
Duterte also bragged about the Philippines’ robust economy.
He told Chinese businessmen that the Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in the region and in the world.
“We have grown for the past 82 consecutive quarters and recorded above six percent annual growth rate since 2012,” he noted.
On Friday, construction delegates, considered as primary partners of Duterte’s administration on its ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, paid a courtesy call on the President, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement on Saturday, August 31.
Panelo said Duterte also met with officials of Cavite’s local officials, Cavitex Holdings, China Communication Construction Company, and China Airport Construction Group Co. to discuss the Sangley Point International project aimed at decongesting Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.
Duterte likewise had a meeting with select business leaders of the Chinese International Chamber of Clmmerce for the Private Sector to talk about the opportunities in the Philippines’ growing economy.
The Chief Executive guaranteed that it is a “win-win” situation for both the Chinese investors and the Philippines.
“Let me thank our Chinese friends for their interest to be part of the Philippines’ growth story. We are encourged by your vote of confidence in our economy,” Duterte said.
“We therefore have a win-win situation here. And I invite you all to take advantage of it fully... With our skilled workforce, you will be [well-positioned] to build your business in my country. Rest assured that my government is committed to maintaining an environment that allows business to thrive,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)