US Trade Sec on Pinoys: Hardworking, well-trained, easy to work with
‘PARTNERS IN PROSPERITY’ US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo makes a toast during a luncheon on Monday hosted by President Marcos which her delegation attended, together with Speaker Martin Romualdez, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and other officials. — MARIANNE BERMUDEZ/ March 11, 2024
MANILA, Philippines — The Filipino workforce in the United States (US) is valued as “hardworking, well-trained, English-speaking, and easy to work with,” according to US Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
This statement was made by Raimondo during her keynote speech for the first Presidential Trade and Investment Mission (PTIM) held in the country from March 11 to 12.
READ: US a strategic trading, investment ally — Marcos
The event was attended by 22 leaders and chief executive officers of some leading American companies, including Google, Microsoft, Mastercard, Visa, and FedEx, among others.
It targets to boost US investments in the Philippines by providing opportunities where US and Philippine business leaders can connect and collaborate.
“These companies from the US that I brought with me are eager to work with you. They want to do more, create an investment in and with the Philippines,” Raimondo said, as quoted in a statement from the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) on Tuesday.
PSAC is the facilitator of the first-ever PTIM, initiated by US President Joseph Biden, Jr., and announced during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Washington, DC, in May 2023.
“US businesses value the talent of the Filipino workforce,” she added.
READ: A first: US Presidential Trade and Investment Mission in PH
Raimondo also noted that US businesses share a “common goal” of unleashing the potential of businesses in the Philippines.
She also viewed these businesses as important partners in establishing a competitive and integrated Indo-Pacific economic region.
During the first day of PITM on Monday, Marcos also called the US an essential trading and investment ally.
“I have emphasized this before, and I will say it again: The United States is an essential strategic trading and investment ally for the Philippines,” said Marcos in his speech in Malacañang.
“In the coming months, I hope that we will be able to see our shared commitments come to fruition, driving robust economic growth. After all, an economically strong Philippines is a formidable ally,” the President added.
