Ambassador Patricia Ann V. Paez showcased the Philippines as “Asia’s rising tiger” during her speech before the officers and members of the Regional Chamber of Czestochowa last 29 May 2014 held at the Theater Hall of Polontex.

   She underscored that despite the devastating typhoon that struck the Philippines last November, the country’s GDP in 2013 grew by 7.2%, the second highest GDP growth in Asia, next to China’s GDP growth of 7.7.%

   Ambassador Paez also cited the country’s export growth in 2013 amounting to $ 53.9 billion as compared to $52 billion in 2012, the foreign direct investments (FDIs) of $ 3.1 billion, the strong performance of the Philippines’ banking sector, the 12% increase in revenue collection in 2013 estimated at $ 38.8 billion, and the investment grade status which the Philippines got from several international credit rating agencies.

   The lady envoy also emphasized that the gender inequality gap between men and women in the Philippines has been almost bridged, noting that the Philippines ranked No. 5 in the Global Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

   She discussed the trade and investment opportunities in the country as well as the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives which the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) offers in its over 200 Special Economic Zones.

   Ambassador Paez invited the audience of around 70 guests to join the planned Polish business/economic mission to the Philippines which is currently being worked on by the Philippine Embassy, the PEZA, the DTI and the Polish Chamber of Commerce.

   She was invited as guest speaker during the event by Mr. Artur Gacek of Polontex, by the President of the Board of the Regional Chamber of Commerce of Czestochowa Mr. Tadeusz Szymanek, and the Regional Chamber’s Chairman of the Board Mr. Zbigniew Miszczyk.