Philippines Sees Surge in Foreign Investments Post-World Economic Forum

MANILA – The country is poised for an influx of foreign investments following its delegation’s participation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland. According to Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Speaker of the House of Representatives, these meetings reaffirmed the Philippines’ status as a lucrative investment destination.

Positive Reception and Economic Growth

Speaker Romualdez shared that the Philippine delegation’s productive engagements at the forum would create more jobs and stimulate economic growth. He highlighted, “The discussions we held in Davos reaffirm the immense potential of the Philippines as a key destination for global investments.”

Romualdez expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for sending a strong delegation that effectively showcased the Philippines’ many investment advantages. “The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, and I am confident this will lead to more investments fueling our economic growth,” he stated.

Key Contributors to the Successful Delegation

The Philippine team was composed of prominent figures including Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, and influential business leaders from various sectors. Romualdez commended them for their efforts, saying, “I thank my fellow delegates for their tireless efforts and invaluable contributions in generating global interest in the Philippines.”

The delegates highlighted the country’s young and dynamic workforce and showcased pro-business policies such as the CREATE MORE law and the Maharlika Investment Fund. These presentations emphasized that the Philippines is both viable and vibrant for global investments.

Highlighting the Philippine Delegation’s Key Engagements

Romualdez participated in high-level discussions and interacted with significant business leaders and officials. He took part in a Stakeholder Dialogue titled “Navigating Asia’s Hotspots,” where he stressed the nation’s balanced geopolitical approach and commitment to economic stability. He elucidated, “We presented a clear narrative of the Philippines as a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific region, not only geopolitically but also economically.”

The delegation also organized the Philippine Breakfast Interaction, a platform where close to 50 international leaders were briefed on the economy and its potential. Notable attendees included Marcus Wallenberg of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken, Philippe Amon of SICPA SA, Catarina Amon of Classeek, Anthony Tan of Grab, John Riady of Lippo Indonesia, Tony Fernandes of AirAsia, and Calvin Choi of AMTD.

Emphasizing Investment-Friendly Reforms

The Philippine delegation highlighted legislative reforms under President Marcos’s administration, emphasizing the country’s readiness to address investors’ concerns. They cited the CREATE MORE law, signed in November 2023, which aims to boost investment by offering enhanced tax incentives, simplifying investment approval processes, and providing targeted incentives for strategic investments. Romualdez elaborated, “The WEF has once again placed the country on global investors’ radar, presenting us with numerous opportunities that we are ready to convert into significant investments.”

The Philippines’ Robust Digital Economy

The discussions highlighted the Philippines’ robust domestic economy, particularly its flourishing e-commerce sector, which made the country the fastest-growing digital economy in Southeast Asia in 2024. This growth demonstrates the nation’s readiness to capitalize on digital innovation and drive economic progress.

Conclusion: Ready for Investment

The successful participation of the Philippine delegation at the World Economic Forum underscores the country’s commitment to attracting foreign investments and fostering sustainable economic growth. As Speaker Romualdez confidently states, “We are ready to turn these opportunities into concrete investments that will accelerate our progress.”