Hong Kong traders eye Philippine visit

SALESMAN. Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez checks out a kit from the Philippine desk in the Asean-Hong Kong Business Conference as he makes an investment pitch for the country.

A delegation of Hong Kong business leaders might visit the Philippines in November in search of investment options.

“We’ll do some research on what industries they want to look into so that we can help them meet the right people. So yes, we’ll be welcoming them,” Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez told Hong Kong News on the sidelines of the Asean-Hong Kong Business Conference held on Jul. 12 at Cyberport.

In an earlier address to those who attended the conference, Lopez cited manufacturing, agricultural and highly-skilled and highly-educated labor force as among the Philippines’ strong points.

Deputy Consul General Roderico Atienza, in a follow-up interview, said the Hong Kong Trade Development Council was arranging the details of the trip with the Philippine Consulate.

He said around 20 business executives could join the visit.

Meanwhile, Lopez said the DTI has ramped up its efforts to encourage overseas Filipino workers to become entrepreneurs in the Philippines.

“We have seven ‘Ms’ for the OFWs. These seven Ms are: changing mindset; mastery of how to do; business mentoring; we give money – may pautang sa MSMEs from P5,000 to P200,000; market access; machines and equipment; and business models including franchising models,” Lopez said.