PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III took the opportunity to invite Thai companies to invest in government’s public-private partnership program during the visit of Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Malacanang Thursday.
In his statement following a bilateral meeting with Thailand's first-ever female leader, Aquino said both countries committed to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand free trade and investment.
“I also took the opportunity to invite Thai companies to invest in my government’s PPP program. The private sector is a vital partner in fulfilling our growth and development objectives. The government is committed to providing the enabling environment for private sector participation through Public Private Partnerships (PPP),” the President said.
In response, Shinawatra said, “Thailand is ready to provide support to Thai investors who wish to invest in the Philippines under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programs”.
She added that the Thailand appreciates the Philippines’ support for Thai investors and willingness to remove some of restrictions on trade and investment.
As major supplier of rice to the country, she said Thailand is also ready to export more rice to the Philippines as part of the two countries’ collaboration on food security.
Aquino said the relationship of Philippines and Thailand is one of the oldest and strongest in Southeast Asia.
In economic relations, the President noted the presence of several Filipino companies in Thailand including the San Miguel Corporation, the Universal Robina Corporation, and the Liwayway Food Corporation.
He also stressed the arrival of more than 30,000 Thai tourists in the country last year, which he said has a multiplier effect on the economy by stimulating local businesses and creating more job opportunities for Filipinos.
During the meeting, the President said that he also discussed with Shinawatra the position of the Philippines on the issue of the West Philippine Sea where he reiterated the country’s position “that a rules-based approach is the only legitimate way to address the disputes”.
He also thanked Thailand for its assistance to the country in the wake of massive flooding and destruction and loss of lives wrought by typhoon Sendong.
Shinawatra also extended gratitude to the Philippines for its help when Thailand was hit by a major flooding last year.
After the joint press statement, Aquino hosted a luncheon in honor of the visiting leader.
The luncheon was attended by Shinawatra’s delegation, Aquino’s Cabinet men, lawmakers, several business tycoons, and the three sisters of Aquino namely Viel, Ballsy, and Kris.
Shinawatra’s visit in the country is in line with the 63rd anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Thailand which is commemorated this year.
Before going to the Palace, Shinawatra first laid a wreath at the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in Luneta.
Her visit is expected to be brief as she is scheduled to return to Thailand after the luncheon at the Palace. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)