Marcos cites PH’s strategic spot in Indo-Pacific to gain opportunities

FILE PHOTO: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is citing the Philippines’ strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region to obtain favorable business opportunities for the country. MALACAÑANG PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. cited the Philippines’ strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region to obtain favorable business opportunities for the country.

According to the President, the Indo-Pacific region accounted for one-third of the global economic activity, presenting good opportunities for the Philippines.

Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Taguig City on Tuesday, Marcos said: “As the Philippines occupies a strategic position in the Indo-Pacific, we are leveraging our strategic geopolitical location, economic engagements, and participation in regional agreements.”

READ: Bongbong Marcos bullish on PH economic prospects

“Through these economic strengths, we aspire to transform the Philippine economy into a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing and [services],” he added.

In April, Marcos took part in a landmark trilateral summit with global powers Japan and the United States.

He said the three-way conference is “a natural progression of deepening relations and robust cooperation” among allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

READ: Marcos: PH-US-Japan summit ‘a natural progression’ of deeper ties

Marcos likewise said he believes that his meeting with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio at the White House is just the start of stronger ties and more coordinated efforts toward promoting a rules-based international order.

Also at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum, Marcos touted the Philippines’ economic growth, saying it was the fastest growing in the region.

“Foreign direct investments (FDI) continue to flow in, with four consecutive months of expansion. Our investment pledges have also soared, reflecting a healthy pipeline of inward FDI,” he said.