Manila, Feb. 18 -- Magnate Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, also known as JAZA, remains optimistic about the growth prospects in the Philippines, noting that the country is ready for high-level partnerships and investments.

In a statement Tuesday, Ayala Corp. said JAZA made the statement at the recent US-Philippines Society (USPS) board meeting, which the conglomerate's chairman is co-chairing.

At the USPS board meeting, JAZA urged businesses to further explore investment opportunities in the Philippines amid its continued growth momentum.

"We in the Philippine business community remain hopeful at the country's prospects for growth, which have not dimmed despite a volatile global environment," JAZA said.

Noting that the Philippine econom...