Page 31 - 2018 JAN-JUN KAAKBAY

January to June 31
2018

Ambassador Romualdez Pitches More Active Economic Relations Between PH and Massachusetts

Ambassador Jose Massachusetts-based companies

Manuel G. Romualdez met and Philippine counterparts,

with top officials of the particularly in the area of
Massachusetts Office of Information Technology and

International Trade and Business Process Outsourcing.

Investment (MOITI) at the He also noted that the Philippine
historic Massachusetts IT-BPM sector continues to

State House in Boston on evolve with the use of Artificial

09 March 2018. Intelligence, analytics, and block

chain technology.

Representing MOITI were MOITI officials noted that
they see many opportunities for
Assistant Secretary of potential synergy and economic
partnerships. Assistant Secretary
Business Development and Nam Phan stated that the
Philippines is known for a highly
International Trade Nam Secretary Nam creative and innovative approach
Theresa Dizon- to business complemented with a
Phan and Executive skilled workforce with English
language competency. He said
Director Mark Sulllivan. valuable assets in forging relations within the

MOITI is the international L-R DTI Trade Representative Nicanor Bautista, MOITI Asst.
Phan, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, Consul General
business development De Vega, and MOITI Executive Director Mark Sullivan

agency of the State of

Massachusetts charged

with promoting trade and investment with global partners. that this are

Massachusetts has consistently ranked as the global marketplace.

number one state in the US for Innovation building mostly on MOITI and the Philippine Delegation agreed to
the significant number of world-class universities, research identify specific areas of interest and to arrange possible
institutions, and centers of excellence in the state such as interface of Massachusetts and Philippine companies as well
Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of as with local government units in the Philippines noting that
Technology (MIT), Boston University, Tufts University, and MOITI has agreements with local governments in other parts
the University of Massachusetts system, among others. It of the world.
has likewise built up over the years a strong academe,

workforce, industries, accelerators, incubators, venture Ambassador Romualdez was joined at the meeting

capital and government ecosystem, maximizing its cutting- by Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Trade

edge research strengths. Representative Nicanor Bautista of the Philippine Consulate

Ambassador Romualdez noted that there is much General in New York along with Minister Counsellor Rossana
potential for fostering economic activity between Villamor-Voogel and First Secretary Gunther Emil Sales of the
Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

(Continued from page 30… HIMS)

In welcoming resource speakers and guests at the Forum, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega reiterated the
Philippine Government’s commitment to support efforts to promote the Philippine IT-BPM industry. “The Philippines offers high-
value services, a young, innovative, and well-educated workforce, and a business-friendly environment for all potential
investors and clients”, she emphasized in her remarks.

Participants were briefed on the general Philippine Economic landscape by Trade and Industry Undersecretary Nora
K. Terrado, who assured guests that Philippine macroeconomic foundations remain solid and that the country is one of the
Bright Spots in Asia, the fastest-growing region in the
world.

Other key presentations were made by
HIMAP President Ms. Cristina Coronel who spoke on
developments and innovations in the Philippine HIMS
Sector while case study illustrations and testimonials
were discussed by other HIMAP member companies.

An open forum moderated by Special Trade Photos L-R: Ms. Cristina Coronel, HIMAP President talks about Unlocking Opportunities in
Representative Nicanor Bautista followed the the Philippine Healthcare Industry; Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega welcomes guests
presentations while a Networking Session capped the to the HIMS Forum; Trade Representative Nicanor Bautista moderates the open forum.
day’s activity.