President Duterte has appointed real estate magnate Jose E.B. Antonio as special envoy to the United States, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr.
In a statement, Yasay described Antonio, chair and chief executive officer of Century Properties Group, as the 鈥減erfect choice for the position鈥� due to his years of experience as a business leader and his 鈥渨ide network鈥� in the business community in the United States.
鈥淛ose Antonio is well-suited to work in advancing the mutual interests of both countries,鈥� Yasay said, adding: 鈥淗is strong business leadership will steer the Philippines鈥� trade and economic goals in the right direction and help seize opportunities for both public and private sector Philippine-US businesses while promoting robust relations in the 21st century.鈥�
As special envoy, Antonio was tasked to 鈥渆nhance business ties and strengthen the economic affairs鈥� of the two countries.
The real estate magnate established the Philippine-China Business Council when he served as a special envoy with the rank of ambassador to China in 2005.
Antonio currently serves as director of the US-Philippines Society, a group of business leaders.