The UST GS Program Lead for Economics Prof. Ronaldo R. Cabauatan, Ph.D. attended the Society of Interdisciplinary Business Research (SIBR) Conference, organized by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he presented his paper “Financial Sector Development and Foreign Direct Investment-Growth Nexus in the Philippines,” co-authored with Ariston Gomez.

Cabauatan’s presentation explored the relationship between financial sector development, foreign direct investment and economic growth in the Philippines. The research received valuable feedback from the conference participants, which provided insights for further improving and refining the research. The interactive discussion following the presentation underscored the topic’s significance in the context of emerging economies similar to the Philippines.

Dr. Arindam Bandopadhyaya from the University of Massachusetts Boston, whose expert guidance ensured a fruitful exchange of ideas, moderated the session. His inputs, alongside those from other scholars, greatly enhanced the quality of discussions, particularly in addressing the impact of FDI on developing economies. A key learning from the conference was the importance of the role of financial sector development in attracting FDI and fostering sustainable economic growth, particularly in emerging markets. Overall, the international perspectives shared by presenters from Europe and Southeast Asia broadened the comparative understanding of regional economic policies and their effects on FDI inflows.

Cabauatan is an academic staff from the College of Commerce of Business Administration, a researcher from the Research Center for Social Sciences and Education (RCSSED), and is also affiliated with the Social Sciences Division of the National Research Council of the Philippines.