President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Thursday announced that he had reaped Php 9.8 billion worth of investment pledges from European business executives during his three-day participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-European Union (ASEAN-EU) Commemorative Summits in Brussels, Belgium.

Speaking to the media upon his arrival in the country, Marcos also said that European business companies had expressed “high” confidence in the Philippines.

He cited that some companies in the sector of fast-moving consumer goods, shipbuilding, renewable energy, and green metals are planning on expanding in the country.

The President said European investors viewed the Philippines as “number two in terms of investor attractiveness” next to Vietnam.

“We’re doing alright but of course, there’s room to grow,” he added.

Marcos also shared that he had met with business leaders from European countries.

“All of them committed to being a part of our development and our economic growth, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, food security, [and] climate change initiatives,” he added.