Tho country's foreign debt total USD118.8 billion as of end-September 2023, up by USD915 million (or 0.8 percent) from USD117.9 billion as of end-June 2023, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.
Secretary Frederick Go, Presidential Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs, said the catch-up, which also includes attracting foreign investments and investing in infrastructure, targets to realize the country’s untapped export potential of $49 billion.
The National Economic and Development Authority Board, the country’s highest economic policymaking body, on Thursday decided to keep tariff rates on imported rice, corn and pork at reduced levels to address supply and price challenges, including the threat of El Nino and the African swine fever.
Teresita Sy Coson, BDO chairperson, late on Wednesday said the Philippines should do well as a country next year even though it faces a number of challenges.