The Peninsula, Makati City
27 March 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the opening of a two-day Euromoney’s Philippine Investment Forum at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City.

In his message, President Aquino cited many economic achievements that the Aquino Administration was able to achieve in just a short span being in office. Several international organizations such as the World Economic Forum, Japan External Trade Organization and HSBC have given their “thumbs up” signs on the country as a promising site to do business in the Asia-Oceania. The President said that part of its accomplishments is the exercise of “political will” in fighting corruption in the government.

The President also revealed that some priorities in realizing the country’s economic potential will involve focusing on three specific sectors: agriculture, infrastructure and tourism. Steps have already been initiated in speed up business registration by improving the Philippine Business Registry.

President Aquino also announced that his administration has approved P133 billion worth of projects for different sectors. He added that part of these priority projects is the LRT Line 1 South Extension Project that will extend LRT Line 1 by almost 12 kilometers from Baclaran through Parañaque and Las Pinas to Bacoor, Cavite.

“We are proud of the progress we have made, but we are not satisfied with just this. We Filipinos know just how much potential this country has; and we are working even longer nights to fulfil this potential,” the President said.

The two-day forum aims to bring together government officials, top Filipino business executives and local and foreign investors to offer a balanced perspective on the renewed Philippine investment story with topics ranging from capital markets, infrastructure, real estate, FDI, and energy and power.

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