President Duterte assures “level playing field for investors” as he welcomes new automotive players in PHL

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC) Motor Philippines Brand Launch at the Metro Tent Convention Center in Metrowalk Complex, Pasig City on November 7, 2018. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

 

(Eagle News) – President Rodrigo Duterte assured both foreign and local investors on Wednesday, Nov. 7 that his government “is doing its best to ensure a level playing field for investors” as he welcomed new players in the automotive industry.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I’d like to thank you for your confidence in investing and expanding your business here in this country. Rest assured that your trust will never be put in vain,” Duterte said during the Guangzhou Automobile Corporation (GAC) Motor Philippines brand launch.

He said it was “indeed an honor to welcome GAC Motors to the Philippines.” GAC Motors is a Chinese automobile maker headquartered in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

-Duterte: PHL automotive market, fastest growing in Southeast Asia –

The President touted that the “Philippine automotive market is among the fastest growing in Southeast Asia” with an annual growth rate of 22 percent in the last five years, making it a “conducive place for trade and business.”

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte inspects the interior of the Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC) Motor flagship vehicle GS8 after leading its unveiling during the GAC Motor Philippines Brand Launch at the Metro Tent Convention Center in Metrowalk Complex, Pasig City on November 7, 2018. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

“Our outlook for the automotive industry in the long term remains bullish as we expect continuing motorization that will be driven by our robust economic growth. Indeed, recent studies estimate that the local motor — vehicle demand could reach one million units in 2028,” Duterte told automotive investors.

“Thus, the entry of GAC Motor in the Philippine market would provide consumers with more choices in their purchase of motor vehicles,” he said.

In return, he said that the Philippine consumers expect manufacturers and dealers to “ensure the quality and excellence of their products and services in order to compete with the leading market players.”

“Let me assure you that this government is doing its best to ensure a level-playing field for investors. We will continue to provide both foreign and local investors like the GAC Motor and Legado Motors with assistance they need so that their ventures may prosper and flourish,” the President said.

(Eagle News Service)