In a high-level meeting with top business leaders from both the Philippines and India, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the Philippines as a prime investment destination and urged Indian firms to seize the growing opportunities in the country. The meeting, held today at the Taj Mahal Hotel, was a key event during the President’s state visit to India from August 4 to 8.
President Marcos reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering a responsive and investor-friendly environment. “The Philippine government hears you. We are ready to act, and we’ll work closely with our Indian partners to translate your priorities into real opportunities,” the President stated. “We are here not only to present to you the Philippines as an investment destination, but we are also here to listen to you, so that we in the Philippines know what it is that you require to bring that investment to the Philippines.”
A significant focus of the discussion was the push to deepen economic ties through a formal trade agreement. President Marcos announced that he has directed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to spearhead efforts to initiate formal negotiations for a Philippines-India Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) as soon as possible. This directive follows a recent consensus with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fast-track the agreement, which President Marcos said would lay a “strong foundation for deeper, more predictable, and mutually beneficial economic integration.”
The roundtable meeting was attended by half of the President’s Cabinet, a move President Marcos said was an “indication of our commitment to making this a productive and constructive visit.” He emphasized that such engagements are crucial for creating spaces where governments and businesses can build real partnerships that support jobs, innovation, and inclusive growth.
President Marcos concluded the meeting by expressing his gratitude for the confidence shown in the Philippines. “Our discussions today have demonstrated the strength of our strategic partnership, especially in trade and investment. They certainly show how far we have come and how much more we can achieve if we continue to work together in a spirit of cooperation and shared prosperity,” he said.
