Manila: Job creation in the Philippines is expected to get a boost as additional businesses have indicated interest in starting operations in the country. Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque told journalists Monday night she will be in South Korea from Dec. 17-19 to meet four investors, whom she declined to identify.

According to Philippines News Agency, Roque is hopeful that these potential investments will help drive growth in the retail sector, thereby creating more job opportunities for Filipinos. She noted that aside from the retail sector, the businesses of the four entities, whose officials she is scheduled to meet this week, are also involved in the food industry.

Roque expressed optimism that these interests will materialize to provide balanced employment, not just in the manufacturing sector, for Filipinos. The potential entry of these new investors could provide significant opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the country.

Earlier, the Board of Investments reported that it has approved around 261 projects worth PHP816.81 billion as of the end of November this year, with 10 more big-ticket items currently under assessment.