Malacanang on Monday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Singapore over the weekend was “productive,” bolstering negotiations with possible investors from the rich island country.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Mr. Marcos’ attendance of the Formula One Grand Prix race in the Lion City bolstered the negotiations that took place during his state visit last month.
The President met with Singaporean officials on the sidelines of the F1 race, which is run on the city’s streets.
“They say that playing golf is the best way to drum up business, but I say it’s Formula 1. What a productive weekend!” Mr. Marcos said on his own Facebook page.
“It was fulfilling to have been invited alongside several dignitaries and to have met new business friends who showed that they are ready and willing to invest in the Philippines. Will be sharing more details on this at a later time,” he added.
Angeles said on her Facebook account. “The trip of the President to Singapore was a productive one. He affirmed deals made during his last state visit and he continued to entice investments in the Philippines.”
In a separate FB post, Singapore Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng said he met with Mr. Marcos on the sidelines of the F1 race, the first held in the city-state since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Happy to meet various Heads of States, Ministers and foreign dignitaries including (President) Bongbong Marcos… to affirm our bilateral economic relationships and strengthen collaborations in energy cooperation as well as exchange views on manpower policies on the sidelines of the race,” Tan wrote.
Tan said the talks meant “to affirm bilateral economic relationships and strengthen collaborations in energy cooperation, as well as exchange views on manpower policies.”
On his Facebook post, the minister noted he also met with Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., Cambodia’s Minister attached to the Prime Minister and Managing Director of Electricite Du Cambodge (EDC), Keo Rottanak, Cambodia’s Minister of Commerce, Pan Sorasak, and Advisor to the Royal Court, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Fahad Bin Abdullah Toonsi.
Again on Facebook, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he was happy to see spectators from all around the world visiting the country just to attend the race.
“It is yet another sign that we have emerged from the pandemic and are open for business,” Loong said.
