NEW YORK: A top executive of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) sees stronger markets between the Philippines and the United States under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

John Tuttle, vice chairman and chief commercial officer of the New York Stock Exchange Group, said the President’s presence at the NYSE provided some “renewed sense of optimism” on investment prospects and partnership opportunities in the Philippines.

“A fast growing economy with an educated and ambitious workforce and meaningful economic reforms are coming together to make the Philippines an attractive destination for investment. And I have to say looking at today’s room, clearly you have gained the attention of business leaders and investors,” Tuttle told Marcos.

“I know I speak for many business leaders and investors in this room that they leave today not only with a renewed sense of optimism but a further enhanced and strengthened sense of optimism about the opportunities in the Philippines,” he added.

Tuttle said the NYSE hosted a program like this “where we can bring together leaders from the public sector and private sector to share ideas, to build relationships, and ultimately deliver impact.”

“And with today’s program I am confident that we will further strengthen an already great partnership between our markets, between our businesses, between our people, and ultimately between our countries,” he added.

Marcos, who is in the US for a six-day official visit, rang the NYSE closing bell from its Trading Floor at precisely 4 p.m., signaling the end of the day’s trading.

He was joined by first lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Members of his economic management team also witnessed the event.

Philippine business leaders also attended the forum led by Private Sector Advisory Council Chairman Sabin Aboitiz, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Aboitiz Group.

Also present were International Container Terminal Services Inc. Chairman and President Enrique Razon; Metro Pacific Corp. Chairman and President Manuel V. Pangilinan; San Miguel Corp. Chairman, President and CEO Ramon Ang; Ayala Corp. Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; JG Summit Holdings Inc. President and CEO Lance Gokongwei; Magsaysay Group President and CEO Doris Ho; and SM Prime Holdings Director Hans Sy, among others.

In his speech, Marcos shared with business leaders how the Philippines is ramping up efforts to open the economy and accelerate post-pandemic recovery.

“Bouncing back from the pandemic, the Philippine economy has seen robust growth since last year and has returned to its path toward upper-middle-income country status, achievable within the next few years,” he said.

Marcos said the country increased the scope for mutually beneficial investments that would mean more jobs and a better quality of life.

“For investors, doing business in the Philippines is an opportunity to reap the benefits of a vibrant economy,” he said.

Marcos will hold dialogues with American business people and heads of US companies as part of his working visit here.

He will also participate in roundtables designed to project the country as a vital emerging economy and investment destination in Asia.