President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s working visit to Singapore this week will put trade, investments and sustainability at the forefront of bilateral relations as the Philippines steps up efforts to attract higher-value capital and deepen economic ties with one of its biggest investment partners.
From July 14 to 16, Marcos will meet Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and business leaders, including participants in the Milken Institute Private Roundtable Discussion, underscoring the administration’s strategy of using economic diplomacy to convert investor interest into concrete projects.
The trip comes as the Philippines seeks to build on its newly attained upper-middle-income status by attracting investments that create quality jobs, strengthen industrial capabilities and accelerate long-term growth.
Singapore has consistently ranked among the Philippines’ largest sources of foreign direct investment, making it a key partner in the country’s push to expand infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, digital economy and innovation-driven industries.
The discussions are expected to focus on encouraging more Singaporean investments in sectors that support economic modernization while reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a competitive investment destination in Southeast Asia.
Sustainability is also expected to feature prominently during the visit. Both countries are expected to explore closer cooperation on renewable energy, green infrastructure, climate resilience and other initiatives that support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Singapore has become an important regional partner in energy transition, sustainable finance and carbon reduction, areas that complement the Philippines’ own climate and development priorities.
Healthcare cooperation is likewise on the agenda, with both governments looking to expand collaboration in medical innovation, healthcare services, workforce development and public health resilience.
Beyond economics, the visit carries broader strategic significance as Singapore prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship next year. The two leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to ASEAN centrality, regional stability, rules-based cooperation and a stronger regional response to shared economic and geopolitical challenges.
The visit reflects the Marcos administration’s broader strategy of leveraging regional partnerships to sustain investment momentum amid an increasingly competitive global landscape. By combining trade promotion with cooperation on sustainability, innovation and healthcare, Manila hopes to position the Philippines not only as a fast-growing market but also as a long-term destination for strategic, future-oriented investments.
