Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto made an impassioned case for the Philippines as a prime destination for global investment, asserting that the nation offers the perfect mix of timing, location, and partnerships for business success.
Speaking to over 300 global investors at the Philippine Stock Exchange’s (PSE) InvestPH 2025 event on March 19, 2025, Secretary Recto said, “What more could you ask for? You’re already here—in the right place, at the right time, with the right partners to make your success happen.” His call to action was direct: “It’s time for us to get down to business.”
A promising economic outlook
Secretary Recto highlighted that the Philippines is at the height of economic momentum, bolstered by effective fiscal consolidation and transformative investment reforms. Despite global economic headwinds, the nation has consistently delivered, averaging a 6% growth rate since President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. assumed office in 2022. Projections from the IMF, World Bank, and ADB reaffirm continued expansion at a robust 6% pace in the coming years.
The government has dismantled barriers to business through initiatives like Green Lanes, landmark legislation such as the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, and the CREATE MORE Act. These efforts have positioned the Philippines as a magnet for investment.
Highlighting recent progress, Secretary Recto noted the country’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist and the anticipated passage of the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA), which will slash stock transaction taxes, making Philippine markets more competitive regionally.
A thriving investment ecosystem
The Philippines is undertaking structural reforms to enhance its capital markets. Planned changes include amendments to the charters of key state banks, enabling them to access private capital and the streamlining of securities regulations. Collaborative efforts between the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) aim to integrate peso-denominated government bonds into JP Morgan’s Bond Index, encouraging greater foreign participation.
Strategic advantages in location and market
As a gateway to ASEAN, one of the world’s most dynamic regions, the Philippines is strategically positioned for global investors. The country is also home to an expansive consumer market, expected to rise from the world’s 20th largest in 2023 to the 13th largest by 2030. Unlike export-dependent economies, the Philippines benefits from resilient consumer demand, driven by remittances, tourism, outsourcing revenues, and stable inflation.
Filipinos: The nation’s greatest strength
A young, skilled workforce remains the cornerstone of the Philippines’ competitive edge. With a median age of 25, the country offers a demographic advantage unmatched in the region. HSBC predicts a 15% growth in the working-age population between 2025 and 2035, the fastest in ASEAN.
“Filipinos are globally sought-after professionals for their English proficiency, robust education, and rapidly evolving AI skills,” Secretary Recto emphasized. To build on this strength, the government has launched an Artificial Intelligence Strategy Roadmap to prepare its workforce for future industries.
