Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual highlighted the policies of the Marcos administration to continue the Philippines’ robust economic growth at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha.

Pascual joined Minister of Industry and Trade of the Kingdom of Morocco Ryad Mezzour and Minister of Treasury and Finance of Turkey Mehmet Şimşek in a panel discussion at the forum on May 15.

“We’re very happy about the performance of our economy, which is among the highest in Southeast Asia. And we’re making sure that we have the policy environment that will sustain growth,” he said.

During the discussion, Pascual underscored the Marcos administration’s focus on infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and strategic policy reforms to ensure the country’s competitiveness in the region.

He said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. continued the previous administration’s “Build Build Build” infrastructure program.

Now named the “Build Better More” program, the government has boosted its efforts to improve and accelerate physical connectivity, digital infrastructure, water resources, health facilities, power, and agriculture infrastructure.

The Maharlika Investment Fund, the country’s first sovereign wealth fund launched during the current administration, also provides support to the Build Better More infrastructure program, he added.

Pascual said the enactment of the new Public-Private Partnership Code also provides a clear and predictable policy environment for investors.

He also spotlighted the Central Luzon Economic Corridor, which aims to improve links to key economic hubs.

“We will build railways to interconnect a port somewhere in the north to Clark in the middle down to Manila and then down to Batangas, and that will improve the connectivity within Luzon,” Pascual added.

Aside from improving the infrastructure, he said, the government continues to support projects and programs that would upskill the Filipino workforce.

He said the Philippines also strengthens its ties with other countries through free trade agreements and economic partnerships.

“Our competitive economic environment, coupled with our game-changing reforms, signals our readiness to attract foreign investments and support sustainable development,” Pascual said. (PNA)