Philippine image abroad

Throughout 2012, I had occasion to visit ASEAN countries, Europe, South Africa and the United States. I am pleased to confirm that business groups abroad are very positive about the Philippines.  They commend the President’s desire to remove corruption at all levels. They perceive the impeachment of the Chief Justice and the President’s stance on Reproductive Health as an indication of strong leadership. In 2013, they anticipate positive policy initiatives in the economic field.  The same sentiments were expressed by some friends in government during my brief visit to Washington, DC in December.

I was equally pleased to learn that Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. was highly regarded by the government and business sector. It has always been my belief that our ambassadors are the most important asset abroad.  The selection of former DFA undersecretary Linda Basilio was a perfect fit for the most challenging post in Beijing. Once again the President has chosen the right individual.  The appointment of ambassadors, whether career or political should always be on the basis of merit and qualifications and not on political expediency or friendship.  

World Economic Forum (WEF)

I hope that the President will accept the invitation of this prestigious forum in Davos, Switzerland.  The annual meeting will take place from Jan. 23-27. As many as 30 Heads of State have attended in the past.  His participation will highlight our country as an investment destination. 

Without doubt, WEF is a very exclusive club.  A businessman must be invited to attend.  There are specific requirements: size of revenue, regional and industry leadership as well as hefty fees. Individual members, during my time, paid $40,000. I recall that corporate strategic partners paid as much as $500,000.  Oddly enough, only one local corporation has been a regular member. The lack of interest by our captains of industry is regrettable.  Eligible local companies are passing up an opportunity to be exposed to new ideas even as they expose themselves and promote the country in the global market.  In the end, it is the Philippines that suffers from such insularity.  Global engagement today is a must for companies as well as nations.

On the assumption the President does attend, his advance staff should liaise with WEF staff immediately.  Guidelines are rather rigid related to the number of accompanying officials, accreditation of press, security, as well as limited hotel accommodations.

APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC)

From Jan. 21 to 22, ABAC will have their first meeting in 2013 in Manila.  This will be the third time they have come to the Philippines.  They met twice in Manila when the Philippines was APEC Chair (1996).  In 2006 ABAC, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary, met in Cebu.  ABAC consists of three CEOs from the 21 APEC economies appointed by their respective governments.  Philippine representatives are: Doris Magsaysay-Ho of Magsaysay Lines, Tony Tan Caktiong of Jollibee and Jaime Augusto Zobel of Ayala Corp. APEC senior officials will also participate in some of the meetings. Together with members’ staff, there will be about 150 attendees. I understand there will also be an SME meeting hosted by ABAC Philippines.

John Negroponte

On Jan. 22, Ambassador Negroponte will be the guest speaker in a joint meeting of the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation, the American Chamber of Commerce, European Chamber of Commerce and the Asia Society at the Tower Club.

Following a distinguished career in diplomacy and national security, Mr. Negroponte was appointed vice-chairman of McLarty Associates. This Washington, DC based organization is an international strategic advisory firm.  They do not represent foreign countries, nor act as registered lobbyists in the United States. Through a strategic partnership with Covington and Burling, their clients can benefit from one of Washington’s prestigious lobbying and advocacy practices.  They also have a collaborative effort with the Brent Scowcroft Group with specific focus on Latin America and China.  He also holds the position of senior fellow and lecturer at Yale University.  Last December he was appointed chairman of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance, a non-profit, non-partisan, public-private organization that works to promote and recognize the highest standards within the national security and intelligence communities.

Mr. Negroponte has held government positions abroad and in Washington. He has been ambassador to Honduras, Mexico, the Philippines, the United Nations, and Iraq. He has also held a cabinet level position as the first director of national intelligence under President George W. Bush. His most recent position in government was as deputy secretary of state, where he served as the State Department’s chief operating officer.

US-Philippines Society

The Board of Directors will be meeting in Manila for the first time from Jan. 23-24. The Society is a private sector initiative. Its operations and programs will be underwritten entirely through donations and memberships, not from the US or Philippine government funds.  Washington SyCip and Maurice R. Greenberg are the honorary co-chairmen.  John Negroponte and Manuel V. Pangilinan are the co-chairmen.  The other board members are representatives of multinational corporations and local corporations.

The Society is designed to encourage economic ties; promote trade and investment; support bilateral strategic and political goals; strengthen cultural, technological, tourism and people-to-people linkage and foster educational and academic exchanges.  Industry as well as Cabinet level briefings are scheduled during their stay. They have requested a meeting with the President who was their keynote speaker at the Society’s inaugural  launch in Washington last year.

This organization deserves the support of the entire business community.  It is an organization which should have been organized decades ago. 

Good beginning

2013 looks very promising indeed if you are to gauge the quality of those coming to Manila in January.  The potential attendance of the President in Davos will enhance our image further in the eyes of the world’s business leaders. The theme of this year’s conference is “Resilient Dynamism,” which many say is the character of the President.