The Philippines is stepping up efforts to attract investors from Chongqing, China’s major industrial and innovation hub, as a 16-member business delegation explores opportunities in manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, tourism, and emerging technologies.
The delegation, composed of executives from the Chongqing Chamber of Commerce for International Cooperation in the Private Sector, visited Manila in June to assess potential partnerships, signaling growing interest in the Philippines as a strategic entry point to Southeast Asia.
The mission brought together firms engaged in automotive and motorcycle components, energy, finance, healthcare, transport, international trade, and new energy technologies—reflecting the breadth of Chongqing’s advanced industrial base.
Talks centered on complementarities between Chongqing’s manufacturing strength and the Philippines’ expanding role as a regional production and supply chain hub. Key frameworks discussed included the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Luzon Economic Corridor, and the country’s growing participation in semiconductor and artificial intelligence value chains.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso O. Panga said the Philippines offers investors a competitive platform supported by world-class economic zones, a skilled workforce, incentives under existing laws, and strong government facilitation. He noted that more than 120 Chinese firms are already operating in PEZA zones, generating over P39 billion in investments and more than 21,000 jobs.
In a separate briefing with the Board of Investments (BOI), officials highlighted priority sectors under the CREATE MORE Act and the Strategic Investment Priority Plan. These include renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, digital industries, agribusiness, tourism, transport, and electric vehicle development.
The discussions underscore the Philippines’ broader strategy of positioning itself as a regional investment hub, leveraging policy reforms and economic zone incentives to attract long-term capital in high-value and innovation-driven industries.
