Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message at the welcome lunch and briefing for the Philippine delegation to the World Economic Forum 2025 annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Monday (Jan. 20, 2025/Switzerland time). Romualdez said their mission is to share the Philippine story of growth and hope and attract more foreign investments to spur sustainable growth that would benefit all Filipinos.
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message at the welcome lunch for the Philippine delegation to the World Economic Forum 2025 annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Monday (Switzerland time). Romualdez said their mission is to share the Philippine story of growth and hope and attract more foreign investments to spur sustainable growth that would benefit all Filipinos.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday (Switzerland time) outlined the mission of the Philippine delegation to the World Economic Forum 2025: strengthen global engagements and partnerships to secure investments for sustainable growth benefitting all Filipinos.
“Our participation in WEF 2025 is a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to fostering collaboration, securing investments, and driving inclusive and sustainable development,” Speaker Romualdez said during the welcome lunch tendered for the Philippine delegation in Davos, Switzerland.
He said this year’s WEF, themed “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” provides a critical platform for the Philippines to highlight 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,” said Romualdez.
The Philippine delegation includes Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque as well as representatives from the private sector.
Romualdez said their collective mission is to build on the momentum generated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s participation in WEF 2023, which marked the Philippines’ re-emergence on the global stage with the launch of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).
Building on Past Successes
Speaker Romualdez recalled how WEF 2023 served as a springboard for the MIF, leading to its successful legislative enactment in 2023.
The Philippine delegation then used the WEF 2024 as an opportunity to build awareness of the country’s new sovereign wealth fund, with Speaker Romualdez leading the charge and the active participation of Maharlika Investment Corporation CEO Joel Consing.
Speaker Romualdez said the Philippines’ robust growth story was further amplified in 2024, with the hosting of the WEF’s first-ever Country Roundtable in Manila.
He noted that during the event, 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.
Engaging Global and Regional Leaders
Speaker Romualdez also highlighted the significance of the Philippines’ role in advancing regional cooperation and stability, reaffirming the Philippines’ readiness to take bigger and bolder steps as the country assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.
It could be recalled that in WEF 2024, he joined other ASEAN leaders and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in a high-level panel discussing lessons from ASEAN’s economic resilience and the role of middle powers in supporting geo-economics cooperation.
“Our participation in WEF 2025 serves as a prelude to our ASEAN leadership, showcasing the Philippines’ capacity to drive innovation, foster digital transformation, and champion climate resilience in the region and beyond,” he said.
Championing Private Sector Participation
Recognizing the crucial role of the private sector, Speaker Romualdez also praised the growing involvement of Filipino business leaders in the WEF.
“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.
A Vision for Collaboration and Growth
As the Philippines navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, Speaker Romualdez emphasized the need to enhance trust and cooperation 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 concluded.
He said the Philippine delegation’s participation in WEF 2025 underscores the country’s commitment to aligning its domestic agenda with global priorities, reaffirming its position as a proactive and collaborative global partner. (END)
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message at the welcome lunch for the Philippine delegation to the World Economic Forum 2025 annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Monday (Switzerland time). Romualdez said their mission is to share the Philippine story of growth and hope and attract more foreign investments to spur sustainable growth that would benefit all Filipinos.
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