US group exploring opportunities in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - The US Philippine Society (USPS) will continue to promote opportunities in the Philippines to the American business community as it expects the country’s economic gains to be sustained.

In a press conference Friday, USPS co-chairman and former US Ambassador to the Philippines John Negroponte said amid expectations of sustained positive economic conditions, the group intends to encourage US firms to consider business opportunities in the country.

Officials of USPS, a non-profit organization which seeks to raise the Philippines’ profile in the US, were in the country for a series of meetings with government leaders and the business community to know about the business environment and opportunities available here.

 “The most important takeaway of this series of meetings is that the progress of the Philippines particularly growing economy and reforms is positive. We expect the positive trend to continue and the important thing we will do when we go back to the US is spread that message and the opportunities it represents for the US business community,” Negroponte said.

USPS president John Maisto said the Philippines has made improvements not just in terms of economic growth but also in governance and security, making it a desirable investment partner.

He added that the Philippines’ available young talent pool, which can speak the English language well, also makes the country an attractive location for business.

While there is already interest from the US in opportunities in infrastructure, energy and modern technology, he said USPS is committed to further promote opportunities here.

As the investment environment is becoming even more competitive, he said the Philippine government and private sector, however, will also have to do its part in drumming up investor interest in the country.

 “What we have seen is interest of the government to do smart policies. We know Philippines businesses are interested in partnering and we know the growth record and ability of Filipinos to carry work. You have to take advantage of these opportunities,” he said.

“Investments should be seduced and attracted. This is the challenge of the Philippines in Southeast Asia,” he added.

For his part, Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. said the government is aware of the challenges that remain such as making the country’s economic growth more inclusive and reducing the poverty level which remains high and such are already being addressed.

USPS is a private sector initiative organized in 2012 to broaden and expand interaction and understanding of the US and the Philippines in the areas of security, trade, investments, tourism, the environment, history, education and culture.

It is collaborating with the Philippine Embassy to achieve its objective of increasing awareness on the Philippines in the US.