Asean forum cites Phl tourism, gaming potentials

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s growing potential as the region’s next best bet for tourism and gaming was given prominence during an international forum attended by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Finance Ministers and members of the international investing community.

 “The breakout session on tourism and gaming during the 9th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ Investor Seminar (AFMIS) was well attended by fund managers, stock brokers, stock market analysts, and representatives of financial institutions. This indicates the high interest of international investors on tourism – specifically gaming – as one of the main engines for growth in the Philippines,” said Pagcor Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat, Jr.

The Philippines hosted the AFMIS at the Island Shangri-La Hotel in Hong Kong where Naguiat was invited as one of the panelists during the breakout sessions. The forum was sponsored by research firms HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, UBS, and Bloomberg. It promoted the attractiveness of the region as an investment haven.

The interactive discussions highlighted the drivers of growth in Asia – tourism and gaming; resources and energy; real estate; infrastructure; and consumer and retail.

Aside from Naguiat, the breakout session panel for tourism and gaming also included Lloyd Nathan, CEO of Asian Coast Development Ltd. which is developing the MGM Integrated Resort in Ho Tram, Vietnam; Aireen Omar, CEO of AirAsia Berhad; Dato’ Lee Choong Yan, president and COO of Genting Malaysia Berhad; and Kingson Sian, president of Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. which operates Resorts World Manila.