The Philippines reaffirmed its position as a leading investment destination in Asia during the Philippine Economic Dialogue (PED) held on the sidelines of the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors in Milan. The event brought together nearly 90 European business leaders, financial stakeholders, and international delegates to hear from top Philippine economic officials on the country’s growth trajectory and investor-ready reforms.
Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan led the presentation, spotlighting the nation’s sustained economic momentum, market dynamism, and long-term development blueprint. He cited the Philippines’ impressive economic fundamentals, including a USD392 billion GDP, a young and growing population of 114 million, and its path toward becoming a USD2 trillion economy by 2050.
“Strong macroeconomic fundamentals, reform momentum, a skilled and young workforce, and a strategic location position the Philippines as your ideal partner of choice in Asia and globally,” Balisacan stated. “The right time is now. The right place is the Philippines.”
He emphasized the government’s proactive approach to fostering private-sector-led growth through structural reforms, transparent governance, and major policy advancements. These include the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, the CREATE MORE Act, and streamlined investment processes such as green lanes for strategic industries.
A key highlight was the Luzon Economic Corridor, a strategic development zone connecting Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas, aimed at enhancing logistics, energy, and infrastructure while catalyzing opportunities in agribusiness, semiconductors, manufacturing, and finance.
Balisacan also underscored the government’s aggressive infrastructure agenda, with 207 flagship projects worth approximately USD178 billion currently in progress, noting the vital role of the private sector in accelerating national development.
Joining the discussion, Secretary of Budget and Management Amenah F. Pangandaman detailed investments in education, health, and social protection under the Build-Better-More program, while introducing reforms under the New Government Procurement Act to broaden private-sector engagement.
Finance Undersecretary Domini S. Velasquez assured participants of the country’s solid fiscal standing, citing stable debt-to-GDP and deficit ratios, with PPPs continuing to drive critical infrastructure financing.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assistant Governor Zeno R. Abenoja added that the central bank’s effective inflation management has created room for accommodative monetary policy, which will support long-term consumption and investment growth.
The Philippine Economic Dialogue in Milan reinforced the Marcos Administration’s commitment to fostering an open, inclusive, and future-ready economy—making a compelling case for international investors to deepen their engagement with the Philippines.
