vue - #2016PBIF - Key Quotes - Eduardo Francisco: 'Liquidity & Depth of Financing'

#2016PBIF - Key Quotes - Eduardo Francisco: 'Liquidity & Depth of Financing' 2016 Philippines Business & Investment Forum: Over the past five years, the Philippines has gone from being known as the “sick man” of Asia to the region’s stellar performer, lauded by international investors and analysts as one of the most promising countries for future growth and investment. As evidence, in 2013 the three major international credit rating agencies – Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch - all raised the Philippines’ sovereign debt to an investment grade rating, the first time it has achieved this status. The country’s GDP grew at an average of 6.3 per cent from 2010-2014, the highest five-year average in the past 40 years. In order for the country to realize its potential over the next decade, the current consumer-driven expansion will have to change to investment-led growth. Although last year ́s $6.2 billion in foreign investment was the highest figure ever, more international investment is required in strategic areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, education and healthcare. The Philippines Business & Investment Forum in New York will bring together influential leaders from the Filipino government and private sector, along with their U.S. and relevant international counterparts for an in-depth analysis of the Philippine economic and political situation and the opportunities it holds for investors, both in capital markets and in industry. Eduardo Francisco, President, BDO Capital & Investment Corporation: Mr. Francisco is President of BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, the investment house of BDO Universal Bank. He is also the Co-Chairman of the Capital Market Development Council (CMDC) of the Philippines, Vice Chairman of the International Association of Financial Executives Institutes (IAFEI), and Treasurer/Trading Nominee of BDO Securities Corp. He also sits on the boards of UP-Development Center for Finance, CIBI Foundation, International School of Manila, and the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). He was formerly the President of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) and the Wharton-Penn Club. Mr. Francisco has worked with other financial institutions in New York and Hong Kong. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines. He is also a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the U.P. College of Business Administration.