Security Bank Corporation (PSE:SECB) hosted the South Luzon leg of its 2023 Economic Forum in Laguna, as part of its annual roadshow to provide client with insights on the latest global and domestic economic trends, geopolitical environment, and the 2024 economic outlook.
Themed “Challenges and Opportunities,” the event featured remarks by Eng. Floriano “Nong” Sarmienta of the Laguna Technopark Ecozone, about the Philippine Economic Zone Authority’s (PEZA) current initiatives for investors in the Philippines. He presented PEZA’s 2023-2028 development plan which sets out to streamline regulatory requirements and accelerate job creation. He noted the many reasons why the Philippines remains an attractive investment destination: high labor productivity; abundant natural resources; only ASEAN beneficiary country of the EU’s GSP+; stable government and economic outlook; quality commercial and residential facilities for investors; growing domestic market; bountiful tourism options; and a strategic location in Southeast Asia.
Other speakers included Lin Li, Managing Director and Head of Global Markets at Mitsubishi UFG Financial Group (MUFG), who traveled from Hong Kong to provide economic updates and the 2024 outlook, with a focus on Asia-Pacific. She predicted that private consumption will continue to improve as economies reopen which will help to offset some weakness in goods exports.
Founder and Managing Director of Stratbase Group, Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit discussed the impact of current geopolitical conflicts on trade and economic growth. “By addressing geopolitical challenges through the lens of governance, the Philippines can chart a more sustainable and prosperous future for all its industries,” he presented.
Addressing the current economic challenges around growth and inflation, Security Bank President and CEO Sanjiv Vohra shared his holistic strategy for future opportunities. “At Security Bank, we’re already adapting to these changes with a strong push towards digital innovation. Attracting investments, especially foreign ones, and boosting our exports are crucial for our long-term economic prosperity. Our partnership with MUFG and our commitment to infrastructure, community support, and sustainability initiatives are key steps in this direction.”
Security Bank’s South Luzon leg comes a week after the Bank’s 14th Metro Manila Economic Forum, where the keynote was delivered by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Monetary Board Member, Hon. Romeo Bernardo. Apart from Li and Manhit, panelists at the Manila leg included BSP’s Officer-In-Charge of the Department of Economic Research Dennis Lapid. Arnold Bengco, Security Bank’s Financial Markets Segment Head, participated on the panels at both events.
Security Bank hosts economic forums to provide clients with valuable insights for their everyday business and investment decisions as an extension of its BetterBanking brand promise.