House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday expressed optimism that the two-day World Economic Forum (WEF) Country Roundtable would drive more direct foreign investments into the country, creating more jobs and livelihood opportunities for Filipinos.

In a statement, Romualdez said the WEF Country Roundtable magnifies the visibility of the Philippines as a prime destination for investment, and underscores the commitment of the Marcos administration to fostering a conducive environment for economic growth and development.

“The WEF Country Roundtable amplifies our message of progress and prosperity, resonating with potential investors both at home and abroad. It reinforces the narrative of the Philippines as a dynamic and resilient economy, ripe with opportunities for those willing to partner with us in our journey towards shared prosperity,” he said.

“Moreover, the WEF Country Roundtable serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue on pressing economic issues, enabling us to exchange insights with global leaders and glean valuable lessons that can further enhance our investment climate. By participating actively in these discussions, we reaffirm our dedication to sound governance, transparency, and inclusive growth.”

In January, Romualdez, upon the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., spearheaded the Philippine delegation to the WEF in its 2024 annual meet in Davos, Switzerland, laying the groundwork for the staging of the WEF Country Roundtable here.

He noted that according to WEF President Børge Brende, President Marcos’ participation in the January 2023 WEF meeting created a lot of interest and optimism in the Philippines, with numerous companies wanting to know more about its investment prospects.

Romualdez hosted the cocktails for the members of the delegation of the WEF CEO Roundtable late Tuesday afternoon at the historic Laperal Mansion, which has been renovated by the Marcos administration and intended for use by visiting foreign leaders and dignitaries.

Among the participants in the WEF Roundtable on the Philippines are top global executives from the private sector’s energy, infrastructure, finance, banking, telecommunications, and marketing industries.

In his message before the WEF delegation and Philippine officials present, Romualdez underscored the solid and unwavering support of the House for the President’s initiatives to open the country’s doors to foreign investments.

“Under my stewardship, the House not only met but exceeded expectations, securing 100 percent approval of the priority measures identified by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) three months ahead of our target date – our commitment definitely to opening up our economy to foreign direct investments,” he said.

He noted that the achievements of the House mirror the aspirations of the WEF – fostering innovation, nurturing economic growth, and building resilient infrastructures to withstand global challenges.

“These accomplishments are a testament to our collective resolve to elevate the Philippines on the world stage and ensure that our development strategies are not only aligned with global best practices but also resonate with the unique needs and aspirations of the Filipino people,” Romualdez said. (PNA)