Marcos meets WTO exec, Canadian minister in Malacañang

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday met World Trade Organization Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Malacañang.

“We have big plans and I think one of the many things that we picked up from the conference just like Davos with interactions with other leaders and other countries, is that it really requires transformation. But trade has become more important than ever,” Marcos told Iweala.

The WTO official is in the Philippines to meet with the Secretaries of Finance, Trade, and Agriculture. 

She lauded Manila over its strong economic performance despite the current global challenges. 

“I want to start by congratulating you because I was looking at the numbers of the economy. And you are not doing badly at all. Six percent per annum growth rate in an environment of high inflation in the world, low growth rates. So I think the Philippines is doing reasonably well under the circumstances,” Iweala said.

Marcos also met with Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development. 

During the meeting, Marcos underscored the importance of engaging allied countries to make the Philippines a “leading investment hub.” 

“We’ve been trying very hard to restructure ourselves so just to make us more business-friendly, investment-friendly. And that’s why such all of these, our interactions, are important to us,” Marcos said.

Ng and her delegation are in the country for the Team Canada Trade Mission (TCTM) Philippines, which will take place from December 4 to 6, 2024. 

The TCTM Philippines, which includes more than 300 delegates representing 180 companies, is expected to bring significant investments and foster new partnerships and business initiatives. 

This will then establish numerous job opportunities for Filipinos. 

Ng then affirmed Canada’s strong confidence in its trade partnership with the Philippines. 

“What that speaks through, Mr. President, is the confidence that Canadian businesses have, wanting to do business here in Manila, looking for opportunities to invest,” Ng said.

“So, I’m very, very excited. And there’s a lot of Canadians [that] are very excited about being here as well,” she added. —NB, GMA Integrated News