The Philippine delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 aims to secure sustained investments to enhance competitiveness, efficiency, and sustainability while capitalizing on past successes in global economic forums, Speaker Martin Romualdez said Monday (Switzerland time).

“Our participation in WEF 2025 is a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to fostering collaboration, securing investments, and driving inclusive and sustainable development,” Romualdez said during a welcome lunch for the Philippine delegation in Davos.

He said this year’s forum, themed “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” provides an opportunity for the Philippines to showcase its resilience, innovation, and economic potential.

“Amidst the continued downside risks of fragmentation and conflict, there are still deals to be done and partnerships to be forged and strengthened,” he said.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, designated as the Special Envoy of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the WEF, will play a pivotal role in engaging international partners to secure investments that target high-impact industries, logistics development, workforce enhancement, and expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and financial inclusion initiatives.

Capitalizing on past successes

Romualdez underscored the importance of leveraging past achievements, including President Marcos Jr.’s introduction of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) at WEF 2023.

“The WEF 2023 served as a springboard for the MIF, leading to its successful legislative enactment,” he said.

The Philippine delegation then used the WEF 2024 as an opportunity to build awareness of the country’s new sovereign wealth fund.

He also cited the Philippines’ hosting of the inaugural WEF Country Roundtable in 2024, where WEF President Borge Brende lauded the Philippines’ trajectory toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy within the next decade.

“Central to this objective is ensuring a sustained flow of investments in the country that will enhance the competitiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the economy,” Romualdez said.

The WEF 2025 is convening nearly 3,000 global leaders, including heads of state, business executives, and policymakers from 130 nations, to spark dialogue and address critical global challenges.

Romualdez, meanwhile, commended the private sector’s increasing involvement in the WEF, citing their crucial role in driving reforms and fostering economic growth.

“Our private sector must continue to champion reform and openness, working hand in hand with the government to spur inclusive and sustainable development,” he said.

As the global economic landscape grows more complex, Romualdez highlighted the importance of trust and collaboration among stakeholders.

“I look forward to strengthening our presence at WEF, building on our strong foundation, and forging partnerships that will drive economic growth and sustainability,” he said. (PNA)