MANILA, Philippines - Employers and businessmen from the 180 nations who attended the International Labor Conference in Geneva Switzerland have expressed enthusiasm over the proclamation of Benigno C. Aquino III as the new president of the Philippines.
Miguel B. Varela, head of the Philippine employer delegation said his counterparts in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East unanimously manifested their vote of confidence and trust in President-elect.
Varela said Aquino’s moral suasion and goodwill can carry on the needed reforms in the country. With improved business sentiment and investors’ confidence in the new administration, Varela called on businessmen to visit the Philippines and seize opportunities.
The Philippine delegation assured its full assistance and facilitation in the conduct of trade missions that are now being discussed in the sidelines of the conference.
Meanwhile, Francis Chua, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said that the overwhelming majority of the Chamber’s leadership, business associations and members nationwide are ready to work and support President-elect Aquino.
He said the transformational policies in a post-crisis period would have to be put in place, in order to change the nation’s growth trajectory.
“This is the opportune time for us to push for economic recovery measures that not only embraces but also mainstreams the principles of decent work, social dialogue and the participation of stakeholders,” Chua stressed.
Chua added that the PCCI has submitted the first draft of the 100-day of economic agenda for the new administration, which focuses on reforms needed to improve the country’s business and investment climate. The 100-day agenda, Chua said, underscores the need for reforms toward rational fiscal policy and macroeconomic stability and further reforms on infrastructure development, reducing the cost of doing business and job creation.
”The administration of President-elect Aquino can consider this a roadmap to put the economy back on track and accelerate recovery and growth,” Chua said.