15 October 2015 - With growth rates of 7%-10% possible in the next decade and an HSBC Global Research Report predicting the country to be the 16th largest economy in the world by 2050, a private sector business delegation from Manila is set to showcase the Philippines as Asia’s new emerging tiger.
From October 19 to 23, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and prominent Filipino economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas will lead a Private Sector Delegation to the United States in business forums to be held in Pittsburgh (October 19), Dallas/Fort Worth (October 21), and Seattle (October 23).
The delegation will be composed of senior executives from various sectors such as Energy, Transport & Logistics, Real Estate, Banking & Financial Services, H.R., and IT/BPO/KPO.
Dr. Villegas, who is the Director of Research at the University of Asia and the Pacific in Manila, will lead off the presentations with an overview of the Philippine economy, and will focus on the positive trends in growth and development. He will also speak on the weaknesses and challenges of the economy, while identifying the key industries for investments.
Mr. Jose Mari Mercado, President and CEO of the Information Technology & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), will speak on the IT/business process boom and opportunities in the Philippines. Mr. Ronaldo R. Elepano, Jr., First Vice President for Business Development of DM Consunji Inc., will describe the real estate industry and the property boom that continues to characterize the sector at this time. Mr. Engelbert Camasura, Partner of ZMG Ward Howell – an international consulting firm—will make a presentation dealing with business process management including contact centers, IT services, and shared services. Mr. Juan Olondriz Pena, President and CEO of International Gateways & Port Management Services, will lend his expertise in real estate, marketing, port and transport operations.
“Since our flagship private sector-led investment roadshow in the U.S. in 2011, I have experienced firsthand the success of hosting these roadshows. The wave of optimism and business confidence in the Philippines continues today, and to further capitalize on this momentum, the Embassy, together with Dr. Bernie Villegas and our Consulates and Trade Offices are again hosting a series of roadshows in three important American cities. Through these annual events, we are connecting not only prominent Filipino businesses, but also great Filipino minds, with American partners in promoting the Philippines’ improving business image in the United States,” Ambassador Cuisia said in a statement.
The business roadshow is being organized by the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Consulates General and Philippine Trade and Investment Centers in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Private sector partners from the United States include the Allegheny Conference on Economic Development, Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce (DFW), World Affairs Council DFW, Filipino Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest, Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Puget Sound Regional Council. END