8 April 2025 - “The Philippines is primed for investments, and we want the world to take notice,” Philippine Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go said as he encouraged high-level Korean investors to capitalize on strategic incentives and emerging opportunities in the Philippines at the Philippine Business Forum in Seoul on 7 April 2025. 

Citing enhancements in Philippine tax reform laws and a rapid and fast-paced commitment to infrastructure and industries, Secretary Go announced that the Philippines is open for more business. 

“With our robust GDP growth, rising credit ratings, easing inflation, record-breaking investments, and bold, game-changing reforms, the Philippines is no longer just open for business—it is the place to invest, expand, and thrive,” according to the Secretary as he requested partners in the Republic of Korea, the 4th largest trading partner of the Philippines, to see the country not only as the next big investment destination, but also as a trusted economic partner and an ally in growth. 

South Korea is the first stop of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) High-Level Investment Mission and Roadshow.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, in her welcome remarks, underscored that initiatives such as the high-level investment mission to the Republic of Korea showcase the continued transformation of the Philippine economy and the strengthening of its strategic partnerships with key nations such as the Republic of Korea. The Ambassador also highlighted the invaluable role Korean businesses have played in the Philippine economy, noting that the roadshow, attended by more than 200 captains of industries and high-level executives, is a testament to the solid foundation both countries have built together. 

DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo highlighted complementary strategic opportunities between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in manufacturing and critical raw materials processing, digital transformation and innovation, connectivity, space economy and space technology utilization, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a just transition to clean energy. 

ROK Minister Ahn Duk Geun in his congratulatory message shared how the two countries have established a basis for wider economic cooperation with their bilateral relations elevated to a strategic partnership in 2024 and with a Free Trade Agreement in place. He added that going forward, the Korean government plans to leverage economic cooperation platforms in making intergovernmental efforts to promote smooth business collaboration between the two countries.

Smart agriculture, being one of the emerging sectors for engagement, was highlighted by Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel who was present at the Business Forum and for meetings with the business sector. 

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion offering deeper insights into sectoral developments and investment opportunities, with representatives from both the Philippine government and private sector. Panelists include BOI Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa of BOI, Department of Energy (DOE) Director Patrick T. Aquino, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) President Dan Lachica, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) President Edmund Araga, and Widus International Leisure, Inc. President Han Dae Sik.

The Philippine Business Forum was hosted by the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Seoul and co-organized with the Philippine Embassy in Korea, the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs and The Korea Times.

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is honored to have participated in co-organizing the forum. END