Erin Devanadera

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took part at the ASEAN’s Business and Investment Summit on Wednesday, October 9 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, highlighting the need for intersectional growth and relations with other ASEAN countries in order to provide regional, economic, and digital compliance and innovations towards a united and well-structured future.

Photo Courtesy of PhilSTAR.

In his speech, the president tackled several issues and areas for development surrounding the economic and digital landscapes of the Philippines.

“We are opening the telecommunications sector to foreign investment, ensuring every Filipino — from Batanes, our northernmost province, to Tawi-Tawi, our southernmost province and to the very last mile have access to the digital landscape and the vast opportunities that these offer,” said Marcos on the investment for wider and smoother online communications across the country.

He also emphasized the role of newly built infrastructure in helping maintain the connection of the environment with the modernization of technology in achieving simultaneous sustainability by easing physical boundaries and lengths.

“On strengthening connectivity, we work closely with our development partners and the private sector to implement a robust infrastructure program — modernizing airports, seaports, and the networks that underpin our economy,” followed by the president on the implementation of improving the structure and usages of Philippine airports, bridges, and maritime facilities to advance the economic and environmental trade.

“But building connections is not enough. Being a country vulnerable to the effects of climate change, our vision for growth naturally extends beyond just the economy,” Marcos said on furthering the positive implications of infrastructure innovation in ecological growth and climate hassle, especially in using renewable and biodegradable energy sources.

In the discussion about empowering the economic hub of the Philippines, Marcos encouraged other ASEAN countries and its businessmen, such as Lao, to invest in future plans for the enhancement of business, industrial, and environmental industries in the country.

“The Philippines is an ideal hub for smart, sustainable manufacturing,” Marcos remarked after discussing the manufacturing industry in the Philippines and its continuous stability amid regional and national crises.

“Developing connectivity and resilience within ASEAN is more than just optimizing value chains—it is about upholding inclusive growth that uplifts every region, every community, and every citizen,” concluded the president in his reference to the need for uniting all ASEAN countries in integrating a better and more sustainable future and innovations for the Southeast Asian regions.

Marcos has previously solidified relations and discussions with ASEAN, focusing on strengthening the economy and security of the Philippines with other ASEAN and foreign countries beginning in his official term on June 30, 2022.