Filipino-Chinese businessmen should take “a larger role in creating jobs and stimulating the economy” by investing in tourism, agriculture and infrastructure, President Benigno Aquino III said Thursday.
He told Chinese-Filipino Business Club Incorporated (CFBCI) to capitalize on the opportunities being worked out by the government for those sectors of the economy.
“We have identified these sectors as the ones that can provide the most employment for those in the margins of society,” Aquino noted in his speech during the CFBCI’s 7th Biennial Convention.
“They are also sectors that offer plenty of opportunities for businesses like yours to enter. Our national budget has been aligned to provide massive support to these three sectors,” the President added.
Government will focus on these sectors this year, as they have performed well in the past, Aquino said, citing that from 2010 to 2011, the country’s total tourist arrivals jumped to 3.917 million from 3.520 million.
Developments, such as the campaign "It's more fun in the Philippines" and the refurbishing of NAIA Terminal 1 and full use of the NAIA Terminal 3, will help increase tourist arrivals, according to him.
“We are targeting 10 million visitors come 2016. This is an achievable goal, and with the help of partners in the private sector, I am confident that we can achieve it,” he said. Expanding priority areas
Invest in “expanding the train system in and around Metro Manila and Luzon,” Aquino urged the businessmen.
“Our plans for the airports are only a few of our infrastructure initiatives. We also plan on modernizing our national highway system and we want to begin work on expanding the train system in and around Metro Manila and Luzon,” he said, adding, “We need investors in these areas as well, who are willing to take part in the literal rebuilding of our country.”
Government is now in the process of expanding its priority sectors, the President said, noting that the earlier the businessmen place their investments, the more they will profit from such opportunities.
“Getting involved now will give your companies plenty of opportunities to profit, and the psychic returns go on top of the monetary gains. It's a win-win situation: you will profit, and at the same time allow our people to live dignified lives through the jobs that will be generated,” Aquino claimed.
“You will empower the communities you operate in, and make certain that the momentum of the Philippine economy will pick up, and be sustained,” he added.
During Thursday’s event, the President also witnessed the ceremonial turnover of 30 motorcycle keys to National Police director-general Nicanor Bartolome, which signifies CFBCI support to the ongoing PNP upgrade and reform program.
The 400-member business club was organized in 1998 as a socio-civic, non-profit organization to support government in creating jobs and advancing the economy. — VS, GMA News
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