Timor-Leste PM visits Bonifacio Global City for business ideas

Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and his ministers visited Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig Ciy Saturday night to get ideas on how to set up a stable business environment in Timor-Leste, Malacañang said Sunday.

A Palace statement said Gusmão, who arrived in Manila Thursday for a four-day official visit, was welcomed by representatives from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation at the Mind Museum.

"The Timor-Leste delegation was briefed about the Fort Bonifacio Global City (formerly known as Fort Bonifacio), a highly urbanized district in Taguig City. The Fort Bonifacio Global City has experienced robust commercial growth in recent years through the sale of military land by the BCDA. The entire Fort Bonifacio district used to be a part of the main Philippine Army camp in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig," the Presidential Communication and Operations Office said in a statement.

After the briefing, Gusmão and his ministers toured Fort Bonifacio Global City.

With Gusmão in Taguig were State and Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Jose Luis Guterres, Education Minister Bendito Freitas, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino, Public Works and Highways Minister Gastão Francisco de Sousa and Tourism Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay.

On Saturday morning, Gusmão sent his ministers to Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales to find ways to encourage greater collaboration between the Philippines and Timor-Leste on tourism and business.

Five ministers from Timor-Leste met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo City.

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia briefed the ministers about the operations of the SBMA, which is tasked with the development of the 670-square kilometer former US facility.

"The SBMA officials told the ministers that the SBMA remains committed to sustaining an investment-friendly and stable business environment in the freeport. They also told the delegation that the authority continues to assist investors in setting up their businesses by providing quality services," the PCOO said.

Garcia also reiterated the Philippine government's commitment to extend assistance to Timor-Leste to enhance its eco-tourism. — BM, GMA News