MANILA -- US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has expressed support to the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., commending its good stewardship and leadership, economic success and empowerment.

“We certainly support your leadership, your agenda is economic success and empowerment. We want to help you and be successful,” Secretary Raimondo told President Marcos during a meeting in Malacanang on Monday.

“Every US business has positive thing to say… experience and in the US, Microsoft, UPS, they liked it. The excellent work force, English speaking. So I think that’s a good thing,” she said.

The US and the Philippines can further expand their business relationship, the US trade official said, saying some companies in the American delegation are first-timers in the Philippines and US officials are introducing them into opportunities in the country.

Raimondo said the whole Indo-Pacific region, comprising 40 percent of the world’s economy, is at the top of US companies and investors’ list.

With the region’s fast-growing and dynamic economy, in which the Philippines is a key driver, Raimondo said it created intense interest among American businesses looking for investment destination.

“Interest of private sector in the Philippines and other ASEAN countries is very high, but it is with the Philippines that we have longest ties and access, and that’s important,” she said.

For his part, President Marcos thanked the US delegation for coming to the Philippines to discuss various opportunities and collaborative efforts.

“I’m very happy that you’ve come so we can discuss with US the potentials that we have,” he said.

In 2023, the US ranked as the Philippines third (out of 230) trading partner, first (out of 230) export market, and fifth (out of 230) import source.

In the same period, total bilateral merchandise trade amounted to US$19.96 billion, with exports valued at US$11.54 billion and imports at US$8.41 billion. (PND)