‘PH attractive for investments’

THAILAND-BASED BUSINESSMEN:

WITH a market of 100 million, costeffective wages and an English-speaking workforce, the Philippines is very attractive to foreign investors, a group of Thailand-based businessmen said on Monday.

Association visited the Philippines from October 11 to 16 to look at investment opportunities in seaports, airports, hotel and resorts, and cultural shows, among others.

is an initiative and national policy of China, it is a common goal for peaceful development everywhere in the world, including the Philippines,” said Oudom Wang, the group’s executive chairman and secretary general.

bid to connect its economy to Asia, Africa and Europe by reviving the ancient Silk Road and maritime routes.

“We are now active in 31 countries and our group is composed of premier leaders, professionals and businessmen,” Wang told The ManilaTimes.

“The Philippines impressed us a lot. Your 100-million population, your high level of education, and your ability to speak in English will attract investors. Now that labor cost in China is becoming expensive, your cheaper labor will all the more attract investors to come in haste,” said Prasan Sirinnot, a Thai, who accompanied Wang during the tour.

Initially, the group is interested in developing areas in Oriental - line area, and towns surrounding

Wang said the group would return to the Philippines soon to assess business opportunities.

“We welcome business proposals. We are not engaging in merely putting up hotels or restaurants. We are interested in developing an youth leader of the Communist Party in China.

- kok, noted that Thailand had developed into a premier tourism destination.

To duplicate Thailand’s feat, the Philippines should convert areas of “natural beauty and unique culture” into tourist attractions.

The group also wants to tap the country’s huge market for online retail through an Alibaba- type operation, he said.

“We will be back soon to talk to businessmen and local government so we can start our peaceful development of major areas,” Wang said.

PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN TRADE DELEGATIONDante Ang 2nd (4th from left), President and CEO of The Manila Times, poses with (from left) Anton Magsaysay, Prasan Sirinnont, Jesus Vicente Magsaysay, Oudom Wang, Hu Xingdou, Pan Shanhong, Edward Xin Feng, Zhao Guangming and Wu Minjie.