MANILA, Philippines – After trips to Beijing and Myanmar last week, President Benigno Aquino III is now in Singapore, this time to encourage businessmen to invest in the Philippines.

On Tuesday, November 18, Aquino flew to the nearby country to attend an event organized by The Economist to discuss “The World in 2015,” where he will be keynote speaker of the Gala Dinner.

“This is not a typical gathering,” Aquino said. “If in APEC we were with heads of state, in this forum we will be able to speak to huge companies, all under one roof. And because we can directly speak to their leaders, we will also be able to directly answer whatever questions they might have in doing business in our country.”

Aquino said rather than going through a long and expensive process, his attendance will give him an opportunity to directly mingle with businessmen and speed up their investments in the country. The President said he would personally meet with business groups as well that have shown interest in expanding their businesses in the Philippines.

During his trip, Aquino is also scheduled to visit Jollibee, meet Overseas Filipino Workers, and show off “the world class product and service of the Filipino.”

Aquino will return to the Philippines on Wednesday evening. During his trip he will also meet President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Before returning on Wednesday, the President will also have business meetings and interviews.

‘Significant opportunity’

According to Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr, the trip will cost the government P11.6 million ($258,093)*.

Aquino was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Andrea Abad, Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, and Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III.

“This is a significant opportunity for our President to share his administration’s plans and reform programs towards sustainable economic and inclusive growth, as well as the peace process for Mindanao,” Ochoa said in a statement.

The amount allocated for the trip covers expenses for transportion, accommodation, food, equipment and other requirements of Aquino and his 54-member delegation. – Rappler.com

*$1=P44.95