President Marcos on Wednesday, Dec. 4, touted the “big plans” the Philippines has in building up its trade and commerce ties with partner-countries.
The Chief Executive met with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to highlight the country’s “big plans” to strengthen its trade partnerships with WTO members.
“We have big plans and I think one of the many things that we picked up from the conference just like Davos with interactions with other leaders and other countries, is that it really requires transformation. But trade has become more important than ever,” Marcos said during the meeting.
He also underscored how trade became more significant as the country rose from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
For Iweala’s part, the official commended the Philippines for its strong economic performance despite current global challenges.
“I want to start by congratulating you because I was looking at the numbers of the economy. And you are not doing badly at all,” she said.
“Six percent per annum growth rate in an environment of high inflation in the world, low growth rates. So I think the Philippines is doing reasonably well under the circumstances,” the WTO chief added.
Iweala is in the Philippines to meet with the secretaries of Finance, Trade, and Agriculture.