ANGARA: RP IS A GOOD INVESTMENT HUB

November 19-21, 2010 -- Around 1,200 delegates from around the world come together to discuss business opportunities and economic trends in the annual World Huang Family Association Convention. This year, the event which also serves as the grand reunion for all the members was held in the Philippines, at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia.

In his speech as the guest of honor in the convention's opening ceremony, Senator Edgardo J. Angara called upon those present--the leaders of some of the most successful businesses in Asia--to keep investing in the Philippines.

"In my 30 years in government and two decades as a senator, I have seen the flow and ebb of interest in investments in our country. While the Philippine economy has suffered many times in the past due to problems in commerce and governance, right now it is at a high point. The Philippines is now being considered as one of the best investment options as well as one of the prime tourist destinations in this part of the world," he said.

Angara cited the stability of our nation's economy amidst the struggles of the recession-hit world market during recent years.

"During the 2009 financial crisis, the Philippines was one of only 3 countries in Asia whose economy did not go south. The fact that our country was able to maintain a positive economic growth rate even while the world's mega-economies were fighting to break even is a good indicator of our ability to handle whatever comes our way," said Angara.

According to Angara, the members of the Huang Family can assist in boosting the Philippine economy to become at par with its contemporaries in Southeast Asia.

"The Philippine economy has been steadily improving for almost four straight years. This year we see a 7.8 growth rate--the highest it has been in a long time. The Filipino-Chinese business community, recognized for their brilliant business strategies and known as great entrepreneurs now have the chance to help this country gain a higher level of competitiveness," he stressed.