Manila, 27 February 2019 – UBS hosted its flagship Philippines CEO/CFO Conference in Manila from 27 February to 1 March, marking the eighth year running this conference. Aptly titled "Getting Back on Track", the forum focuses on investment themes and ideas after a challenging year in 2018. Keynote speaker Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo delivered the welcome address focusing on the improving macro conditions and how policy makers are expected to react. A stellar cast of regional thought leaders and regulators were also featured throughout a series of panel discussions in the conference. 

Robby Go, Country Head of UBS Philippines shared, “UBS has been a leader in the Philippine capital markets, and has never wavered in its commitment and presence over the decades. UBS has partnered with many players in various industries, and connected them to global institutional investors. We proudly bring these business leaders and entrepreneurs together under one roof and host our annual UBS Philippines CEO/CFO Forum. This year, we highlight key themes including the ASEAN consumer growth story, the role of technology in transforming businesses and the potential of REITs. We also meet with emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss how they plan to navigate their businesses in the coming years”.

She added, "This conference kicks off a series of ASEAN offerings across multiple locations, and is held back-to-back with our flagship Indonesian Conference. Our access offerings reinforce our strengths across many markets, led by the UBS Greater China Conference held last month. In ASEAN, the Philippines CEO/CFO Forum attracts high level CEOs and CFOs, and other senior management teams.  In 2018, we hosted 40 companies, with 87% of companies represented by C-suite level management. The three day event covered 127 one-on-one meetings, 186 group meetings, two plenary sessions and three local tours. This forum continues to be one of the anticipated events across our client base.” 

 

Jody Santiago, Head of Philippines Research, UBS Philippines said, “Access to companies’ top executives and industry leaders makes the conference unique and attractive to investors.  To assist investors in their decision making, we have published differentiated research that help identify key industry and company debates, addressing the most common questions on investors’ minds.  One of our key themes is the high growth potential of the Philippines that would be driven by higher government spending and foreign direct investments”.   

Edward Teather, senior ASEAN economist, UBS Investment Bank said, "We believe that we will see further stabilizing in the Philippines economy. We expect real GDP growth to remain above 6% and credit growth likely to stay in double digits. Inflation is also likely to fall to around 3% by end year with the government assistance in stabilizing food prices. These are all good signs for consumers as we foresee continued support from the government in embracing Philippines’ infrastructural story and future growth potential. The country is also equipped with alternative sources of income rise such as tourism revenues, which would be positive for its economic outlook in the long run.

The Conference brings investors to witness ongoing developments across many sectors. One of the highlights this year will be an out-of-town tour to Clark, Pampanga. It will end with a Trading Symposium, a panel discussion covering a series of topics and insights on some of the latest global and regional trends impacting liquidity.  

About UBS

UBS provides financial advice and solutions to wealthy, institutional and corporate clients worldwide, as well as private clients in Switzerland. UBS' strategy is centered on our leading global wealth management business and our premier universal bank in Switzerland, enhanced by Asset Management and the Investment Bank. The bank focuses on businesses that have a strong competitive position in their targeted markets, are capital efficient, and have an attractive long-term structural growth or profitability outlook.

 UBS is present in all major financial centers worldwide. It has offices in 52 countries, with about 34% of its employees working in the Americas, 34% in Switzerland, 18% in the rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 14% in Asia Pacific. UBS Group AG employs approximately 61,000 people around the world. Its shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

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Julie Yeo
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Adeline Lee
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