MANILA, Nov. 18 (PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III left for Singapore on Tuesday morning for a two-day working visit, where he is scheduled to serve as keynote speaker at The Economist’s “The World in 2015” Gala Dinner tonight.
“The World in 2015” forum is the latest in a series of business conferences held annually in which The Economist, a prestigious news magazine, and invited luminaries share their predictions for the year ahead. The event will be hosted by Executive Editor Daniel Franklin.
In his departure statement, President Aquino said the forum would be a great opportunity for him to once again invite business leaders to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines.
He said the event would also give him a chance to address all the concerns of business executives in doing business in the Philippines.
“Imbes na dumaan sa kadalasa’y mahaba at magastos na proseso, mayroon na tayong pagkakataong makasalo ang mga negosyante, upang makakalap ng interes, at mapabilis ang posibilidad ng kanilang pamumuhunan sa ating bansa,” he said.
The Chief Executive said he would also take advantage of the forum to generate goodwill and support for sustaining his reform agenda and plans and programs for sustainable economic growth, his vision for the Southeast Asian region and the Mindanao peace process as the core element of the government’s program for inclusive growth.
He said he will also meet with other business groups who have expressed intention to expand their existing businesses in the country.
This is the first time for a Philippine president to keynote the Gala Dinner since its inception in 2009.
While in Singapore, the President said he will visit Jollibee, which is the fast food chain’s number one outlet globally.
“Doon, hindi lamang natin makakasama ang masisipag nating mga kababayan; maipapahayag at maibabandila din natin sa lahat ang world class na produkto’t serbisyo ng Pilipino,” he said.
There are an estimated 180,000 Filipinos in Singapore, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The President will return to the country on Wednesday, November 19. (PNA)