02 November 2015 – As part of his economic outreach trip to the State of Rhode Island, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., accompanied by Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr., met with Governor Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island at her office in Providence on October 26, and with Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano on October 27.
In his meeting with Governor Raimondo, Ambassador Cuisia discussed how the Philippines, as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has been part of a region experiencing high economic growth in the past few years. He underscored that a private sector led Philippine Investment Roadshow was just held in Pittsburgh, Dallas and Seattle to raise the awareness of American companies about top business opportunities in the Philippines. He mentioned priority industries that have thrived well, including semiconductors, computer devices, electrical machinery, and imports which include wheat, electronic products, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
Ambassador Cuisia further expressed his hope to encourage Philippine-bound trade missions from the State of Rhode Island to foster stronger business ties.
Governor Raimondo remarked how she was strongly interested in exploring such trade missions, and was looking forward to more economic-oriented initiatives with the Philippines. She felt it was her job to reinvigorate the state’s economy to become more innovation-based, particularly in the hospitality industry, healthcare and financial services.
Ambassador Cuisia then mentioned how the Mayor of Dallas, Texas was invited to visit the Philippines to expand economic relations between his city and the Philippines. He added that a similar relationship with the State of Rhode Island would be mutually beneficial.
In response, Governor Raimondo conveyed her willingness to work directly with the Philippine Consul General and the Trade Representative in New York on potential activities that would strengthen Philippine-Rhode Island economic ties. A Democrat, she is the first woman to serve as Governor of the State of Rhode Island.
On October 27, Ambassador Cuisia, Consul General De Leon and Rhode Island Filipino community leaders paid a call and met with Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano of Newport, Rhode Island. Captain Doy Heredia of the Newport Council for International Visitors, Larry Soriano of Lingkod Timog, and Tony Cercena of the Filipino-American Association of Newport represented the community.
Ambassador Cuisia briefed Mayor Napolitano on economic developments and prospects in the Philippines, including the recently concluded private-sector led Philippine Investment Roadshow in three U.S. cities. He expressed interest at the potential investment opportunities in the City of Newport.
Mayor Napolitano cited that aside from tourism and the hospitality industry which have benefitted Newport, there is currently a technology zone in the city that her administration hopes to further develop with spin-off businesses. She was also starting an innovation zone to draw more youth and students in developing new technology, as well as to attract more hi-tech businesses and smaller tech companies to Newport.
Ambassador Cuisia mentioned a group of young Filipino-Americans involved in incubating start-up companies in Silicon Valley, California. He hoped to initiate a similar interchange in Newport, and in the process elevate Philippine collaboration with the city. He also expressed interest in establishing a possible “sister city” arrangement between a Philippine city and the City of Newport.
Mayor Napolitano conveyed her appreciation to the visiting Philippine delegation for the contribution which Filipino-Americans have made to the City of Newport. She promised that she would work closely with Governor Raimondo in exploring projects geared towards closer economic collaboration with the Philippines. END