Manila sees US presidential trade mission bolstering public-private partnerships

THE UNITED States’ upcoming Presidential Trade and Investment Mission (PITM) in Manila is expected to bolster public-private partnerships between the two countries, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.

“The PTIM will be the first of a series of major commercial events between the Philippines and the United States (US) for the year,” the DFA said in a statement sent to reporters via WhatsApp.

In a Jan. 12 statement, US National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the PITM delegation will be led by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and will run from March 11 to 12.

Ms. Watson said the PITM “will enhance US companies’ contributions to the Philippines’ innovation economy, connective infrastructure, clean energy transition, critical minerals sector, and the food security of its people.”

The PITM is expected to “forge broader and deeper public-private partnerships for enduring, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development,” the DFA added. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz