Marcos highlights New Clark City during bilateral talk with Singapore PM Wong

SINGAPORE - President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday highlighted the New Clark City during his bilateral meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as he bares his administration's goal of developing the area.

Marcos is in Singapore to deliver the keynote address in the 2024 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue.

Marcos told Wong that the Philippine government eyes to develop the area as an industrial center with various facilities such as manufacturing, semiconductor assembly, businesses, and green minerals processing. 

“I look forward to continuing [the relationship]. I’m confident… although there’s already a [great deal] that we’re doing in many areas,” Marcos told Wong.

“We have really laid down for the last [five] years [the] formal and official relationship but as in all other ASEAN member --- for Asian countries in general and I think that is why [it’s] easy for us to work together to make partnership," he added.

The President earlier called on the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to ensure the completion of the New Clark City Access Road, which is seen to enhance connectivity across Luzon. 

Marcos also emphasized that there is a great potential between the two countries’ tourism industries, which could be developed through improved infrastructure and enhanced air linkages.

For his part, Wong said there is very strong cooperation and positive momentum in the relationship between the Philippines and Singapore.

“There is also a strong positive momentum in our relationship [in] businesses, and there’s growing confidence in the prospects on the [Philippine] economy,” he said.

“So, many different projects are taking place, including in New Clark City and others, and I’m sure there are interests amongst investors and businesses to invest in your country,” he added.

Wong also mentioned the good people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, with more than 200,000 Filipinos working and staying in Singapore.

Wong vowed to protect and ensure the health and well-being of the Filipino workers as he also appreciated their contributions to the Singapore economy.—LDF, GMA Integrated News