Century Properties chair, CEO Antonio is special envoy to US

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 “perfect choice for the position” due to his years of experience as a business leader and his “wide network” in the business community in the United States.

“Jose Antonio is well-suited to work in advancing the mutual interests of both countries,” Yasay said, adding: “His strong business leadership will steer the Philippines’ 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.”

As special envoy, Antonio was tasked to “enhance business ties and strengthen the economic affairs” 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.