DBM Secretary Diokno Speaks at the “Power Hour” Media Roundtable Event in Tokyo
Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno speaks with the Japanese media at the “Power Hour” media roundtable discussion in Tokyo.
The Philippine Embassy in Japan, in cooperation with the ASEAN-Japan Centre and Weber Shandwick, hosted the “Power Hour: Philippines-Japan Economic Relations” media roundtable event on 10 September 2018 at the International House of Japan.
H.E. Jose C. Laurel V, Philippine Ambassador to Japan, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of building stronger relationships between the Philippine government and the Japanese media in promoting a continuous positive perception of the Philippines.
Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno discussed the role of quality infrastructure for sustainable connectivity. He emphasized that, “on top of comfort and convenience, the Build, Build, Build program offers more than just upgrading infrastructure. It’s not only about providing decent jobs, and attracting investments. It’s also about linking the present with our vision of a prosperous Philippines – a stronger economy with higher standards of living, a harmonious society with effective and accountable governance, and a country we can all be proud of. This is the real essence of quality infrastructure and sustainable connectivity.”
Ms. Shinobu Kikuchi, a senior economist at Mizuho Research Institute, Ltd., presented her study on the recent GDP growth and outlook in the Philippines.
Consul General Robespierre Bolivar moderated the roundtable discussion with reputable journalists from Yomiuri Shimbun, Mainichi Shimbun, Kyodo News, Weekly Economist, and NNA. Mr. Kenji Sekiguchi, chief analyst at the Rating and Investment Information, Inc., also attended as an observer.
An initiative of the Philippine Embassy in Japan, the “Power Hour” is a series of media roundtable discussions on Philippines-Japan economic relations, particularly on trade, investment, infrastructure, and tourism.
