Pres. Duterte urges SoKor to invest more in PH

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over the 20th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on November 13, 2017. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, November 13, urged South Korean investors to further increase trade and investment in the Philippines.

In his bilateral meeting with Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in, President Duterte urged South Korean investors to further strengthen cooperation in the area of trade, whether exports or imports.

President Duterte extended his invitation to South Korea to further invest in manufacturing, automotive, food production, processing, agribusiness, electronics and energy.

He also expressed his gratitude to South Korea for its imports of Philippine products into South Korea, particularly in the areas of personal care and other organic products, food and seafood, garments and chemicals and other electronic parts.

For his part, South Korean President Moon expressed hopes that he could enhance Korea-ASEAN relations “to the highest level,” noting that he dispatched a Special Envoy to ASEAN following his inauguration.

“I wish to further strengthen our ties with the Philippines, our long-time friend,” Moon said.

President Moon meanwhile noted that there are about 1.5 million Korean tourists who visit the Philippines annually.

“It’s a great pleasure that our two peoples are deepening mutual understanding and friendship through close exchanges. And I hope that we could make joint efforts to further strengthen this trend,” he said.

“Among ASEAN nations, we have the most mutual people-to-people exchanges with the Philippines,” he added.

“Mr. President, I ask for your attention and support so that the Koreans who visit and reside in the Philippines can have a safe and enjoyable stay,” Moon said.

The South Korean President also assured that Filipinos in Korea are safe and comfortable.

“I will also pay close attention and make my best efforts to ensure that the Filipinos visiting and living in Korea can be safe and comfortable,” Moon said.

He also expressed hopes that more Filipinos will visit Korea when it hosts the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games in February next year. (PND)