He said this as he capped his five-day working visit.
On Monday, October 12, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. arrived in Manila with his delegation at 1:54 am.
In his message, which was shared on social media, Marcos highlighted new investment opportunities, stronger economic partnerships and energy security during his recent visit to Singapore.
According to him, during his discussions with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, they tackled on sustaining momentum in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agenda, as the Philippines prepares to hand over the ASEAN chairship to Singapore during the summit in Manila in November.
“I am pleased with my discussions with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, particularly on our shared interest in ensuring continuity and sustaining momentum in ASEAN priorities. As our term as ASEAN Chair draws to a close and we prepare to hand over to Singapore next month, these back-to-back engagements could not be more timely,” he noted.
He also highlighted the Forbes conference, where he presented economic priorities and growth plans of the Philippines to about 470 business leaders, chief executive officers, and policymakers.
Some of these plans are in export, improving the business environment through tax incentives and digital reforms, and advancing major infrastructure projects like the Luzon Economic Corridor.
Marcos also underscored the country’s push to strengthen research and development, expand regional digital cooperation, combat corruption, and build stronger international economic partnerships.
“I spoke of our drive to move up the technology ladder into research and development and to lead in regional digital cooperation, supported by a young, highly skilled, English-speaking and tech-savvy workforce,” the President said.
He also added that he emphasized the actions being taken against corruption, strengthening of digital safeguards, building strong international economic ties, and the country’s stance on the West Philippine Sea, and the wider regional peace and stability.
During his meetings with business executives, the President discussed investment and expansion plans involving FedEx, Mitsubishi Corporation and Vena Energy.
“I am confident that the interest shown by investors in these engagements will bring more high-value investments, partnerships, technology and jobs to the Philippines, particularly in sectors that will support our long-term growth and transformation,” he said.
Marcos also visited the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute to learn about Singapore’s work in nuclear research and technology, as the country looks to tap into the energy source to lower electricity prices.