US plans 3 trade missions to Phl

MANILA, Philippines - The US Embassy is organizing three trade missions to the Philippines this year amid interest from American firms to do business in the country.

Speaking at the Asian Institute of Management’s Networking and Business Forum on trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines, James McCarthy, senior commercial officer of the Embassy of the US to the Philippines said they will hold three trade missions this year.

“We will do one on education, one on medical technology and one on franchising,” he said.

Last year, the embassy had five trade missions to the Philippines.

“We’ve seen a lot of interest from US firms here,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy said the Philippines is also becoming an attractive location  for American firms given the good governance efforts, predominant use of English, young population and the country’s good relations with the US.

“This is the most welcoming and gracious country in the world. You couldn’t find a warmer place to do business,” he said.

He said opportunities are seen in infrastructure, information technology, aviation, franchising and energy sectors.

“I think the Aquino administration is doing what it can,” McCarthy said.