Sixteen South Korean companies—most of them part of the supply-chain network of Samsung Electro-Mechanics (SEMCO)— are being wooed to follow SEMCO in the Philippines to expand their global supply chains in collaboration with the country’s various economic zones.
The electronics supply chain network event was convened by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), in partnership with Samsung Electro-Mechanics Philippines Corporation (SEMPHIL), for a high-level business forum titled “Unlocking New Opportunities in the Philippines: A Roundtable for South Korean Investors” on the sidelines of the APEC 2025 Summit in South Korea.
SEMCO just announced a PHP50 billion in expansion program for its Philippine operation under its local subsidiary SEMPHIL.
The participating firms—many of which serve as tier-one and tier-two suppliers of Samsung Electro-Mechanics—expressed strong interest in expanding within PEZA’s network of ecozones across the country, recognizing the Philippines’ strategic position in the electronics, semiconductor, and EV manufacturing value chains.
The forum served as a platform for business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-business (B2B) engagement, with discussions focusing on investment facilitation, incentives, infrastructure, and workforce development—supporting the Marcos Administration’s push for industrial upgrading and regional value-chain integration.
Mr. Kyeongwoo Ryu, president of SEMPHIL shared the company’s success story as one of Samsung’s key production bases within a PEZA ecozone. “Our experience in the Philippines proves that PEZA is a true partner for investors,” said Mr. Ryu. “The supportive business environment and talented Filipino workforce make the country an excellent place for long-term growth.”
In a presentation on “Investment Opportunities in Economic Zones for South Korean Investors,” by PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga highlighted the Philippines’ strong fundamentals as an investment destination—its strategic ASEAN location, young, English-proficient, and tech-savvy workforce, growing domestic market, and competitive incentive regime—positioning it as a natural partner for Korean industries aiming to strengthen their regional presence.
“South Korea has long been one of PEZA’s most valued partners,” said DG Panga. “This roundtable reaffirms our shared commitment to build globally competitive, sustainable, and technology-driven industrial ecosystems where Korean innovation and Filipino talent can thrive together.”
In his message, Secretary Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, highlighted key reforms recently enacted—in addition to the CREATE MORE Act—that strengthen the country’s investment environment and elevate its global competitiveness. These include the amended Investor’s Lease Act and the new mining fiscal regime.
Secretary Go likewise reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating investment partnerships with South Korea:
“The Philippines welcomes our Korean partners in building an ecosystem of advanced manufacturing alongside industry leaders like Samsung—fostering greater operational efficiency, reducing costs, and strengthening regional competitiveness. Like Samsung, you too can benefit from CREATE MORE’s enhanced incentives that will empower your businesses to expand, innovate, and achieve sustained growth in the Philippines.”
