Phl economic team eyes attracting Middle Eastern investors

The Philippine economic team will perform a roadshow and briefings throughout the Middle East this week to attract new investors in the country, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Sunday.

In a statement, DBM said the economic team will hold the roadshow in Doha, Qatar on 10 September and another Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in Dubai, UAE on 12 September after successful briefings in Europe, Washington D.C., Singapore, Japan, and Canada this year.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno will give the keynote address for both programs, followed by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who will present priority expenditures, including climate change, sustainability, and maintaining infrastructure spending at 5–6% of GDP over the medium term.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. will discuss the monetary, external, and financial sectors. On the other hand, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan will discuss infrastructure investment and development.

Budget Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo and HSBC Head of Communications in Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey Nick Edwards will lead a panel discussion on the Philippine economy and investment possibilities after the presentations.

The Economic Team will also meet with banks, financial institutions, and other investors from both nations in small groups.

BSP, DOF, Philippine Embassy in Doha and Abu Dhabi, Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, Philippine Trade and Investment Center Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, MUFG, Standard Chartered Bank, and others co-organize the event.