MANILA – President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday his administration is working to continue building a stronger and inclusive Philippine economy, even as it is now referred as “Asia’s Bright Spot” or “Asia’s New Tiger” from being the “Sick Man of Asia.”
At the groundbreaking of the Clark Green City, President Aquino cited the average gross domestic product (GDP) over 2010 to 2015 which was recorded at 6.2 percent, the country’s fastest six-year average growth since the late 1970s.
The President said the country has set record highs in terms of net foreign direct investments to date, and has made significant strides on several global rankings of competitiveness.
The Chief Executive said the Philippines was also unanimously declared investment grade by the world’s most prominent credit ratings agencies in 2013, indicating “we regained confidence – both confidence in ourselves, and the confidence of investors here and around the globe.”
“Nevertheless, the work towards building a vibrant and inclusive Philippine economy continues, and this project, among others, heralds the next step in our journey, and I am hopeful that we can maintain, if not build on our momentum,” he noted.
As the interest in the Philippines grows, President Aquino underscored the need for the country to develop more viable economic hubs across the country, similar to Clark Green City and Bonifacio Global City.
The President noted that the Clark Green City embodies the vision for a more resilient Philippines, while it also provides opportunities for the new labor entrants.
“Truly, as interest in our nation grows – and as markets develop across the country – projects like this are vital. Along with investing in our workforce and spending on critical infrastructure projects, we need to develop viable economic hubs, not just in Metro Manila or Cebu, but in provinces with high growth potential,” he added.