Duterte invites Bahraini businessmen to explore PH

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has invited Bahraini businessmen to explore business opportunities in the Philippines as their countries enter a new phase in their bilateral relations.

The Philippine leader made the pitch to the Capital Club of Bahrain, a prestigious private business and social club composed of top Bahraini CEOs and businessmen, on Friday, April 15, during his state visit to the oil-rich kingdom.

“I see great potential in increasing bilateral trade and investments. The areas include oil and gas, food, agricultural staples, tourism, as well as establishment of Halal production in Mindanao. Investors can look upon the country’s IT (information technology) and BPM (business processing management) industries,” Duterte said.

He also invited them to find opportunities for partnership to realize the potential of the Philippines’ non-voice sector: knowledge process outsourcing, animation, game development, as well as health information and management service.

“You have my word. We will make the Philippines worth your while and your money,” Duterte said. 

“It will be a safe journey of business for you…I just want employment for my people,” he added.

Duterte announced that he has directed the Department of Trade and Industry to conduct trade missions and explore business opportunities between the two countries.

The President, who read from a prepared speech, said he was in the Middle East to bring the message that the Philippines is open for business.

“In my short visit here in Bahrain, I am convinced that there is a bright future for expanded economic partnership. The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. We have a young, intelligent, and creative workforce,” he said.

After reading his speech, which lasted for only 8 minutes, the President said he had time to take questions from the floor.

One businessman asked him if he could remove restrictions on aluminum exports to the Philippines which, he said, had deterred his company from pursuing the venture. Duterte heeded the request, on the spot.

“Even in the sharing of the natural resources, these are restricted areas of business that are not really attuned to the modern times. We will remove it,” Duterte assured the businessman.

He added, “As far as land is concerned, I can give you a 30-year lease and another 30 years.”

During his Bahrain trip, Duterte witnessed the signing of one business deal – the expansion of agricultural operations between AMA Group Holdings Corporation and Nader & Ebrahim Sons of Hassan Company WLL (NEH).

The parties agreed to expand their operation in Mindanao, particularly in Davao, targeting an additional 10,000 hectares of farmland for agricultural production.

The Philippines and Bahrain signed 4 agreements seen to boost trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. (READ: PH, Bahrain ink agreements to boost trade, investments)

Duterte arrived in Bahrain late Wednesday, April 12, after a two-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, from  April 10 to 12. 

From Bahrain, he flew to Qatar for the final leg of his Middle East tour which will end on Sunday, April 16. – Chrisee Dela Paz/Rappler.com