25 September 2018 – Drawn by economic opportunities in the Philippines, more than 300 Malaysian investors and businessmen flocked to the 2018 Philippine Investment Forum on 25 September 2018, filling the Junior Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Kuala Lumpur to the brim.

The first of its kind in over five years, the 2018 Philippine Investment Forum was organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) with the support of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and in partnership with the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). 

The half-day event featured an expert roster of speakers that tackled investment topics ranging from the country’s economic outlook, business opportunities, and incentives, with special focus on the Philippines’ Build! Build! Build! infrastructure campaign and investment prospects in Mindanao.  Malaysian companies with presence in the Philippines also shared their experiences of doing business in the country.

In his opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles C. Jose encouraged participants to engage deeply with the resource speakers, officials, and business delegation from the Philippines. “This is an excellent opportunity to dive deep into the Philippines without leaving Kuala Lumpur.  Let today’s forum strongly and unequivocally convey that the Philippines is open for business, and that we want to partner with you to ‘build value together’,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Dr. Ong Kian Ming of the Malaysian International Trade and Industry (MITI) in his keynote speech expressed optimism at the deepening bilateral economic relations between the Philippines and Malaysia, noted that there are many opportunities let untapped, and emphasized that “there is no better time to invest in the Philippines than now.”

Prominent guests and speakers from the Philippines include Sec. Datu Abul Hj. Khayr D. Alonto of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Usec. Nora K. Terrado of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Director General Charito B. Plaza of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Executive Vice President Aileen R. Zosa of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro of MinDA, Mr. Lemuel G. Ortonio of the City Government of Davao, and Mr. Myl Johann Amsid representing the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority. 

An official delegation comprised of officials from the City Government of Davao and Davao-based businesses, led by City Administrator Atty. Zuleika T. Lopez, also participated in the forum and engaged in business-to-business meetings.

For more information, visit the Embassy’s website at http://www.philembassykl.org.my or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PHinMalaysia/