| Noy to Chinese: Philippines definitely open for business Philippine Star August 31, 2011 |
MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III today declared before an audience of businessmen in Beijing that the Philippines "is open for business."
"The biggest change between the Philippines under my administration and under the previous government is a change in mindset. We will not take short cuts in order to close deals; we will follow the correct procedures," he said.
Malacañang had said that the President's visit to China will generate $2.7 billion worth of investments.
The President’s five-day visit to China will include stops in Shanghai and Xiamen. The President returns to the country on Saturday. -- Angelo L. Gutierrez
"As I have been saying this past year: the Philippines is definitely open for business," President Aquino said in his opening remarks at the Philippine-China Economic and Trade forum in Beijing this morning.
Aquino assured Chinese businessmen at the forum that his administration is taking steps to reform the procedures in making business in the Philippines.
"Most important among our efforts, however, is instilling a culture of transparency and integrity in government: weeding out corruption, and ensuring that businessmen—whether from within our shores or from foreign enterprises such as yours—are met with a level playing field," the President said.
He said that foreign investors in the country would not need "connections" anymore to be able to grab business opportunities in the country.
He assured that in the Philippines, during his watch, "rules will not be circumvented and the law will be followed." He said that this would pave the way for the transformation of the business environment in the country more "conducive to profit."
In his speech, President Aquino made his usual comparison of his administration with the previous leadership of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
President Aquino said that his administration will "take the long view" to achieve real progress for the Philippines. He said he is confident that Chinese businessmen would be in agreement with this policy.
"You appreciate the point of thinking not only about the next step, the next day, or the next deal; you think years, even decades and generations into the future, strategizing your moves," he added.
President Aquino arrived in Beijing on Tuesday night.
In his departure speech on Tuesday night, President Aquino said he will also discuss with chinese President Hu Jintao the controversial West Philippine Sea issue.
He said that he and President Hu Jintao will witness the signing of several agreements that will boost cooperation between the Philippines and China in trade, infrastructure, mass media and culture.
While in China, the President said he will also visit Filipino communities there to express his gratitude to them for their continuous sacrifice for the welfare of their families and the country as a whole.
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