Secretary Locsin Meets with US-ASEAN Business Council to Discuss COVID-19 Response and Recovery
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. (topmost left) discusses social media and facilitating mobility of business with US-ASEAN Business Council members. (DFA-OAA Photo)
MANILA 25 May 2021 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. met with the US-ASEAN Business Council to discuss the COVID-19 response and recovery programs of the Philippines, and how the Philippines and the United States can further collaborate to facilitate recovery from the impact of the pandemic. The meeting, held on 21 May 2021 through video conference, forms part of the US-ASEAN Business Council’s 2021 Philippines Business Mission.
According to Secretary Locsin, stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus through vaccination remains a top priority, given that the pandemic continues to pose serious challenges in many countries. He added that global cooperation in this regard is vital, with the private sector having a crucial role to play in ensuring its success.
The Secretary also noted the celebration, this year, of the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and the United States, and the 70th Anniversary of the Signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty, making it an opportune time to further strengthen relations.
Secretary Locsin reiterated the call for U.S. businesses to take a close look at the Philippines as an investment destination, citing the country’s skilled and educated manpower, and its government’s policies that facilitate ease of doing business.
Members of the US-ASEAN Business Council, led by Senior Vice President Ambassador Michael Michalak, also discussed with the Secretary various issues ranging from COVID-19 therapeutic medicines, environmental issues, and the role of social media and technology in promoting trade and investment.
The US-ASEAN Business Council is an advocacy organization for U.S. corporations operating within ASEAN with the objective of promoting mutually beneficial trade and investment relationships between the US and Southeast Asia. END
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. (topmost left) discusses technological advancements, COVID-19 therapeutic medicines and environmental concerns with US-ASEAN Business Council members. (DFA-OAA Photo)