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.