The US and the Philippines are currently enjoying a "great momentum" of economic relationship, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said Tuesday, Jan. 24.
In a meeting with the Filipino businessmen of the Makati Business Club, Carlson said she is seeing positive gains from President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s recent trip to the US, particularly to the New York stock exchange, as the latter set a "positive tone" in investing in the Philippines.
So, Carlson called on the business leaders to "work together" with the Western giant to strengthen the economic ties of both countries.
Noting that American investments in the Philippines "have significant economic impacts," she added that "an economically strong Philippines is good for the United States."
"Simply put—we have great momentum—momentum to support greater government-to-government collaboration as well as private sector engagement," the diplomat said, noting Marcos' US visit that allowed him to deliver a "strong message" to US companies that the Philippines is open for business.
Carlson believed the US and the Philippines governments would not be able to do their work, particularly in the trade and investment sectors, "without the private sector."
"Successful companies like those in the Makati Business Club, as well as major U.S. companies, possess the resources, innovation, and resourcefulness that make trade and investment work," she said.
The diplomat then sought for Filipino business leaders' ideas to shape the US development programs, so that they are not only based on the American inputs' but also of the locals'.