‘PBBM Malaysia visit hastened new deals’

By Charles Dantes and Othel Campos

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s three-day state visit to Malaysia has hastened the finalization of a P3 billion collaboration on rail-oriented projects between Manila and Kuala Lumpur and a $1 billion investment pledge for the expansion of Air Asia operations in the Philippines, the Palace said on Friday. During a roundtable meeting organized by the Department of Trade entering into negotiations, the "terms of reference" should be discussed first with interested countries. Manalo said they "had ongoing talks with China" and they are now "looking at possible terms of reference for the talks."

Next page and Industry (DTI) during the state visit, Mr. Marcos said he is glad that Air Asia, which is the fourth largest airline in the region, has a very good prospect for the Philippines.

"We’re all very happy that you have such good – you see such good prospects for the Philippines,” he said.

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said that Air Asia’s Anthony Francis Fernandes signed a letter of intent, indicating expansion plans for his business in the Philippines, specifically for aviation and aviation maintenance,