A high-ranking official of India's Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ Ltd.) expressed the company's intention to invest in the Philippines, citing the country's stability in regulation and business environment.

APSEZ Ltd. Managing Director Karan Adani said this during a courtesy call to President Marcos in Malacañan on Thursday, May 2.

In his remarks, Adani said the main consideration for choosing the Philipines is the stability it offers to businesses.

"As a private sector, what we always look for is stability. Stability in the regulation, stability in the environment that we are operating in. That is what, as you said, you are providing," he told Marcos.

According to Adani, APSEZ Ltd. is looking at Bataan for its port development plan, noting that it could be a good opportunity for the company.

The company plans to develop a 25-meter-deep port that can accommodate Panamax vessels. The Adani Group, on the other hand, is planning to invest in ports, airports, power, and defense.

President Marcos welcomed APSEZ expansion plans in the Philippines, suggesting it may focus on ports handling agriculture products to enable the Philippines to eventually compete globally.

In a Facebook post, the President said APSEZ's plans help modernize the country's ports and ensure additional jobs for Filipinos.

He said the government is developing the country's gateways for tourists and business travelers and for the country’s agricultural products to be moved around affordably and reliably.

"Sa tulong ng mga foreign investor gaya ng APSEZ Ltd., isinusulong natin ang modernisasyon ng ating mga pantalan (With the help of foreign investors like APSEZ Ltd., we are modernizing our ports)," Marcos wrote.

"Matitiyak nito ang masiglang kalakalan at dagdag na trabaho sa ating Bagong Pilipinas (It ensures a healthy trade and additional jobs in the New Philippines)," he added.

President Marcos suggested that the India-based port operator start regionally. The ports could also cater to local or domestic shipping before shifting to the international market.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive highlighted the importance of cooperation between the public and the private sectors as his government opens up the Philippine economy.

"I always say in my speeches I consider the private sector a full partner in this— it’s a 50/50 agreement. The government cannot do everything and there are many things that the private sector does better than government. So, we should recognize that," Marcos said.

APSEZ Ltd. was incorporated as Gujarat Adani Port Ltd. in May 1998. It is the largest commercial port operator in India accounting for nearly one-fourth of the cargo movement in the country.

It employs more than 1,900 people.

Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, the Adani Group was founded in 1988 by Gautam Adani. APSEZ Ltd. under the Adani Group.

Comprised of several publicly listed entities with a combined market capitalization of more than $242.73 billion, among its business areas are energy, ports and logistics, mining and resources, gas, defense and aerospace, and airports.

It employs more than 43,000 workers.