Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday made a fresh pitch for global investors to look to the Philippines, highlighting sweeping reforms and digital transformation efforts designed to build 'a connected, resilient, and opportunity-driven Asia-Pacific.' Speaking before top executives and policymakers at the APEC CEO Summit here, Marcos said his administration is positioning the Philippines as an innovation-driven economy through infrastructure modernization, artificial intelligence, and education reforms that prepare the workforce for the digital age. 'The Philippines is open, ready, and eager to do business with all of you,' he said. 'We bring a dynamic workforce, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable and inclusive prosperity.' The President's keynote address came as he met with fellow APEC leaders to chart the region's economic priorities and investment course.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos said digital infrastructure and connectivity are at the core of the country's development agenda, citing government initiatives to expand broadband access to underserved areas and to equip micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with e-commerce and digital marketing skills. 'We are ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the digital economy,' he said, noting that more than one million entrepreneurs have been empowered through the Digitalization of MSMEs Program. He added that the government has strengthened data governance and cyber resilience to build trust in the country's growing digital systems.
The President touted a slate of recent laws aimed at making the Philippines more attractive to investors, including the CREATE MORE Act, which reduces corporate income taxes and extends investment incentives for up to 40 years, and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, which streamlines approvals for major projects. He also cited Republic Acts (RA) 12252 and 12289, which liberalize land leases and speed up government acquisition for infrastructure, and RA 12253, which sets a stable fiscal regime for large-scale mining. 'Our actions are focused on delivering deep, institutional, and business-friendly reforms that unlock private capital and sustain competitiveness,' Marcos said. He also pointed to the government's 'green force' - a technical working group on sustainable finance - which aims to channel investments toward climate-resilient and environmentally sound projects.
Marcos also used his address to preview the Philippines' ASEAN chairship in 2026, saying Manila will lead efforts to roll out the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which is expected to unlock a USD2 trillion regional digital market by 2030. 'As the Philippines takes on the ASEAN chairship in 2026, we stand ready to build a more connected, competitive, and sustainable regional economy,' he said.
