President Aquino said on Thursday the government will focus this year on agriculture, infrastructure and tourism and urged Filipino-Chinese businessmen to invest in these sectors to help sustain the growth momentum of the economy.
Mr. Aquino made his pitch at the 7th Biennial Convention of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club Inc. at the Manila Hotel, where he extended “another invitation for those of you who want to help and profit even more” by considering investments in the three specific sectors that his administration would focus on this year, budget-wise.
“Our national budget has been aligned to provide massive support to these three sectors, and I invite all of you to capitalize on these opportunities, while at the same time taking a larger role in creating jobs and helping stimulate the economy,” the President said.
Mr. Aquino said his administration intended to “expand these sectors as soon as we can” and told the businessmen that “getting involved now will give your companies plenty of opportunities to profit, and the psychic returns go on top of the monetary gains.”
“It is, indeed, a win-win situation: you will profit, and at the same time allow our people to live even more dignified lives through the jobs that will be generated. You will empower the communities you operate in, and make certain that the momentum of the Philippine economy will pick up, and be sustained,” he said.
The President said the country has “enjoyed modest success so far, and we have to keep this going.” He cited as proof of such success the country’s rise by 10 notches in the World Economic Forum’s latest competitiveness index, and the HSBC survey that forecast the Philippines as the world’s 16th largest economy by 2050.
He noted that the agriculture, tourism and infrastructure sectors have been performing well over the past few years. Tourist arrivals increased by 11 percent from 2010 to 2011, and is anticipated to climb further with the recently
launched tourism campaign and improvements in the country’s gateways, he said.
“We are targeting 10 million visitors by the time I step down in 2016. This is an achievable goal, and with the help of partners in the private sector, I am confident that we can achieve it,” he said.
Mr. Aquino also said investors may consider participating in plans to modernize the national highway system, the expansion of the train system in and around Metro Manila and Luzon.
“We need investors in these areas as well, who are willing to take part in the literal rebuilding of our country,” he said.
The President said the budget for agriculture was increased by 50 percent this year, and work continues on irrigation, community seed-banking, and constructing more farm-to-market roads.
“Our goal is to be rice self-sufficient by 2013, and we believe that despite some setbacks in the past year, we can still achieve this. I am inviting all of you to share the success of the agriculture sector with us through your investments,” he said.
The President lauded the group for turning over 30 motorcycles to the National Police for its PNP Integrated Transformation Program.
Incoming CFBCI President Cristino Lim announced in his speech that the group will donate P2 million to the quake victims in Negros Oriental.
