President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday rallied Filipino and Cambodian business leaders to take the lead in driving growth, innovation, and inclusive prosperity, stressing that the private sector is “at the forefront” of shaping the future of both nations.

Speaking at the Philippines-Cambodia CEO B2B Networking Roundtable in Phnom Penh, Marcos said trade between the two countries, which reached USD105.69 million in 2024, reflects “rising trust”.

“This progress affirms the effectiveness of our shared efforts in trade facilitation, policy alignment, and stronger private sector engagement,” Marcos told the gathering of executives.

“However, we cannot and should not rest on this momentum. There remains significant room to grow, untapped potential to explore, and opportunities that we must seize together,” he added.

The President also urged business leaders to go further by tapping untapped sectors such as healthcare, education, logistics, agro-processing, and digital services.

“These industries are critical drivers of both economic modernization and social development,” he said.

“They are fully aligned with our national development goals, and they also reflect global trends in innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.”

“At the core of this economic vision is a firm belief that development must be rooted in partnership, not just between governments, but most critically, between our private sectors, which possess the capabilities to drive innovation, efficiency, and inclusive growth,” he went on.

Marcos, likewise, assured investors that Manila is committed to creating a “conducive environment for doing business,” while tasking the private sector to generate jobs, introduce technology, and deliver “lasting impact on the ground.”

The President’s Cambodia state visit has already produced agreements on police cooperation, higher education, and air services, with Marcos framing the outcomes as part of a “strategic, forward-looking” partnership that would also bolster the Philippines’ preparations for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026. (PNA)