President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured Asia-Pacific business leaders that the Philippines is open and ready for business, highlighting his administration’s ongoing reforms to attract foreign investments and enhance business efficiency.
“Today, our message is clear: The Philippines is open, ready, and eager to do business with all of you,” Marcos declared in his address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit held in Gyeongju, South Korea.
He said the Philippines offers more than just its strategic location in the region, underscoring the nation’s skilled workforce, vibrant innovation ecosystem, and strong commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth.
“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.
Marcos lauded the Asia-Pacific Business Advisory Council’s 2025 theme, “Bridge. Business. Beyond.”, saying it reflects a shared goal of deepening regional cooperation and building a more connected, resilient future.
“As we pursue these goals, the Philippines’ vision for a strong, innovation-driven economy and its strategic embrace of emerging technologies will be vital in driving long-term regional progress,” the President said.
He pointed to key initiatives under his administration, including expanding digital infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities, and promoting the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace, which links micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) directly with consumers.
Marcos also emphasized the importance of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy Roadmap, describing it as a central pillar in enhancing innovation and competitiveness across industries.
“AI not only enhances public services and streamlines trade but also amplifies MSMEs’ ability to innovate, automate processes, and make smarter data-driven decisions, driving inclusive economic competitiveness across the Philippines and the region,” he said.
He noted that the Philippines continues to strengthen its participation in major trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and ongoing negotiations for the Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement, the Philippines-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and efforts to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Marcos highlighted the crucial role of the private sector in accelerating national growth and achieving inclusive development.
“As a model of good governance, public-private sector cooperation helps align the government’s work in many sectors to deliver quick and concrete results,” 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.”
The President urged closer collaboration with industry leaders to scale digital innovations, promote inclusive business models, and strengthen regional value chains, stressing that partnership and technology-driven growth are key to building a future-ready Asia-Pacific.
“Businesses must not only benefit from progress but actively co-create the future by leading in technology development, supporting startups, embedding sustainability, and upholding good corporate governance that builds trust and accountability,” he added.