President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said his discussions with the United States business community “affirm the optimism” with which international investors view the Philippines today.

This is Marcos’ assessment of his five-day “productive” visit to the US during his post-visit report held at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington DC on Thursday (US time).

He said the Filipinos’ talent and work ethic serve as the main selling point to attract these foreign investments.

“It was with great pride that I received their praises for the talent, ingenuity, and work ethic of Filipinos, which has become the main driving force for bringing their investments to our country,” Marcos told the press.

He pointed out that Manila and Washington DC would have to “forge closer economic ties and ensure that our bilateral partnership works for our peoples.”

“That will truly bring our alliance, partnership, and friendship into the 21st century,” he said.

He also announced that he would lead a “ministerial-level study group” between the Philippines and the US to boost climate-smart agriculture initiatives.

“In addition to existing bilateral policy dialogue platforms and working groups, we agreed to institutionalize a ministerial-level study group to advance cooperation on climate-smart agriculture, which I myself will lead,” Marcos said.

The president capped his visit with a speaking engagement at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where he shared his reflections on why he thinks the Philippines and the US “have been and will continue to be naturally drawn to each other.” (PNA)

Photo credit: Facebook/opgovph