Dennis Gasgonia

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the Inauguration of the New LRT - 1 4th Generation Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) at the LRT Baclaran Depot in Pasay City on July 19, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Katrina Domingo

ABS-CBN News

GYEONGJU, South Korea — The Philippines is “open, ready and eager” to do business with all of Asia-Pacific, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday as he faced business leaders from the region, promising not just a “strategic location” for businesses but also a “dynamic workforce” that can deliver results.The Philippines has been implementing policies to ensure a stable and transparent fiscal regime for several sectors to have more legal certainty and a predictable tax environment, Marcos said in his speech at the APEC CEO Summit.He added “these reforms are designed to transform the investment landscape and improve operational efficiency” in the country.“The Philippines is open, ready, and eager to do business with all of you.&quot;<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/10/31/marcos-urges-apec-leaders-to-revive-wto-s-appellate-body-dispute-mechanism-1235">Marcos urges APEC leaders to revive WTO’s Appellate Body, dispute mechanism</a></div>“The Philippines offers more than just a strategic location at the heart of the region. We bring a dynamic workforce, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable and inclusive prosperity,” he said.The Philippines has also been “investing in expanded digital infrastructure, prioritizing underserved and rural areas to ensure connectivity reaches all Filipinos,” the President said.“At the same time, we are enhancing cyber resilience and data governance to build trust, security, and confidence in our digital systems.”In the Philippines, the business community is seen “as an essential partner in our national economic narrative,” the Chief Executive said.“While the government is focused on creating the enabling environment through stable policy, sound regulations, and strategic infrastructure, it is the private sector that moves capital, creates jobs, introduces technology, and delivers meaningful, lasting impact on the ground,” he said. “We value your insights and we welcome your ideas. We are fully prepared to work with you in transforming those ideas into tangible results,” he said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/10/30/no-scheduled-talks-with-us-on-tariffs-during-apec-ph-economic-czar-1758">No scheduled talks with US on tariffs during APEC – PH economic czar </a> </div>“The Philippines welcomes deeper collaboration with industry leaders to scale digital solutions, develop inclusive and sustainable business models, and build resilient value chains,” he said.Marcos ended his speech by inviting Asia-Pacific investors to come to the Philippines in 2026 as the country chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.“Our Chairship will advance stronger APEC–ASEAN alignment and promote coherent policies, resilient institutions, and broader opportunities for all,” he said.“We welcome our partners from across the region and we invite the business community to join us in shaping a connected, resilient, and opportunity-driven Asia-Pacific.”The Philippines has been relying on Asia-Pacific economies for much of its trade with over 80 percent of its imports and exports taking place in the region.Marcos Jr. earlier said that the Philippines’ attendance in this year’s APEC Summit “is imperative” as the region “accounts for nearly 46 percent of global trade in goods and commercial services, and generates roughly 61 percent of the total global GDP.”

The Philippines is “open, ready and eager” to do business with all of Asia-Pacific, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday as he faced business leaders from the region, promising not just a “strategic location” for businesses, but also a “dynamic workforce."

The Philippines is “open, ready and eager” to do business with all of Asia-Pacific, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday as he faced business leaders from the region, promising not just a “strategic location” for businesses, but also a “dynamic workforce."

Marcos to CEOs: Philippines ‘open, ready, eager’ to do business

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Marcos to CEOs: Philippines ‘open, ready, eager’ to do business

Katrina Domingo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 31, 2025 04:52 PM PHT

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Updated Oct 31, 2025 05:06 PM PHT

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