President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. claimed on Thursday, July 27, that the Malaysian business sector had committed at least $235 million in investments during his three-day official visit.
"The investment commitments that we have received so far are valued at around $235 million, which is a good indication that there is a strong interest from Malaysia to invest in the Philippines," the President stated at the Philippine Business Forum.
Marcos believed that engagement with Malaysian companies and business leaders will have the potential for mutually beneficial outcomes for both Malaysia and the Philippine companies.
On Thursday morning, Marcos met with executives from a range of industries, including technology, transportation, and agriculture.
According to the President, the Philippine government will continue to help Malaysian investors in order to improve cooperation.
Marcos said on Wednesday that Malaysian authorities had stated their intention to train their counterparts in the Philippines on how to manage the Halal industry and Islamic banking.
"Building on our bilateral relations, our governments commit to closely coordinate efforts to build capacity in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in the southern Philippines, in Muslim Mindanao, especially in sectors such as the Halal industry, Islamic banking, and food security," Marcos said in a joint statement following his meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
"Malaysia has warmly offered their expertise to train Philippine personnel and officials to strengthen our capabilities in these increasingly important sectors," he added.
According to Anwar, the two nations should take steps to ensure that the Halal industry enters the Middle Eastern market.
On Thursday afternoon, Marcos was scheduled to return to the Philippines.
