French companies spanning the infrastructure, transportation, banking, and technology sectors expressed strong interest in expanding their investment footprint in the Philippines following a productive meeting of the France-Philippines Business Council held on Friday.
The meeting, hosted in Paris by Géraldine Lemble, Deputy CEO of MEDEF International, and graced by H.E. Ambassador Eduardo José A. de Vega, highlighted the deepening economic ties between the two nations. DG Trésor confirmed the strong support of the French government for MEDEF International’s initiatives in exploring the “immense and ripe potential” awaiting French companies in the Philippine market.
A clear synergy was identified across several Philippine government priority sectors and the commercial interests of the participating French firms:
Infrastructure Flagship Projects: Particularly road, railway, and airport development.
Renewable Energy & Green Metals
High-Value Services (e.g., technical service centers)
Manufacturing
Defense
Policy Reforms Enhance Investor Confidence
During the session, Katrina Banzon, Commercial Counsellor and Director of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Paris, presented recent structural reforms designed to boost ease of doing business. These include the Investors’ Lease Act, which liberalizes the lease of private lands by foreign investors and extends long-term contracts from 50 years to up to 99 years. She also highlighted the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, mandating a five percent royalty on gross output for designated mining sites.
“We heard positive feedback from the companies already established in the Philippines regarding our workforce and operational environment,” said Ms. Banzon. “The Philippine Government is committed to addressing challenges and providing maximum ease of doing business for our investors.”
Ms. Banzon concluded with confidence in the future of the partnership:
“We are confident that with this ever-growing partnership—supported by the country’s 5.6% GDP growth (2024), game-changing policy reforms, and massive US$177-billion ‘Build Better More’ infrastructure program—France will once again rank as one of the top investment partners of the Philippines.”
The Philippine delegation extended its gratitude to the esteemed French companies in attendance, as well as MEDEF International and DG Trésor, for their keen interest and commitment to the Philippine market.
