Yangon, 13 April 2004 – By bringing along a private sector delegation during her latest visit to Myanmar, Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert has underscored the importance of economic diplomacy as a tool in promoting the country’s national interests.  Accompanying the Secretary in Yangon for the inaugural meeting of the Philippines-Myanmar Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) are Mr. Jose P. Leviste, Jr. Chairman of the Philippine-Myanmar Business Council and the Climax-Arimco Mining Corporation; Mr. Benjamin Philip Romualdez, President of the Philippine Chamber of Mines and the Benguet Consolidated Corporation, and Mr. Rafael Garcia III, Chairman of the Mega IT Group of Companies.
 
“In all my official visits abroad, I have always emphasized that foreign policy under the Arroyo administration is to be pursued based on three important and main pillars: first – the preservation and enhancement of national security; second – the promotion and attainment of economic security through the mobilization of external resources for economic advancement and social development; and third – the protection of the rights, and the promotion of the welfare and interests, of Filipinos overseas. These pillars overlap and cannot be considered apart from each other,” Secretary Albert said.

“Opening world markets for Philippine products and services is an aspect of economic diplomacy where we can advance the long-term interests of our country, thereby contributing to a stronger partnership between the government and the private sector,” she added.

The Secretary emphasized that during her earlier visit to Yangon, she recognized the numerous opportunities for Philippine companies to look into Myanmar, an ASEAN neighbor with vast natural resources and untapped market potential.

“Both the Philippines and Myanmar can complement each other in the areas of trade, agriculture, jewelry production, food processing and manufacturing, information and communication technology, and mining operations, a field where we can share our tested technical expertise. Moreover, the Myanmar government has continued to make the necessary steps to encourage the participation of both the public and private sectors in the trade and economic development of the country,” she said.

 
Secretary Albert also welcomed the efforts being undertaken by the Myanmar government to implement its “roadmap” for transition to democracy.  “In particular, we look forward to the convening of the National Convention on 17 May 20004, which will lay down the basic principles to be incorporated into Myanmar’s new constitution. We are encouraged by the positive signals coming from the Myanmar government about involving all parties and groups concerned in order to make this all important first step a meaningful and successful one,” she added.

“The Philippines has made significant investments in other ASEAN countries such as Vietnam, where it has gained a foothold in the local beer market, as well as in the glass manufacturing industry.  In Dubai, where I recently opened our Consulate General, we are closely studying the potential for other Philippine exports of goods and services such as furniture and furnishings, gifts and house wares, and construction materials, in addition to expanding our presence in the ICT industry,” Secretary Albert said.

“In Myanmar, we have the opportunity to share in the economic development of one of the newer members of ASEAN to enable it to successfully integrate in the regional organization. Our economic diplomacy initiatives could lead to investments and commercial activities, which would be mutually beneficial,” the Secretary added. END.