Trade & Investments

ASEAN economic ministers are seeking to turn the region’s USD4.4-trillion merchandise trade and rising foreign investment into deeper integration, larger digital markets, and more cross-border business opportunities as they meet in Manila.

A Philippine bamboo cooperative is joining 10 other Southeast Asian enterprises in the ASEAN Inclusive Business Awards, putting the spotlight on companies that are trying to make community livelihoods part of the business model rather than an afterthought.

The Philippines is sending its largest-ever delegation to the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), using its return as Country of Honor to put Philippine exports, tourism, and investment opportunities before Chinese and regional markets.

At the 24th MAP International CEO Conference, SM Investments President & CEO Frederic C. DyBuncio stressed long-term thinking beats short-term cycles amid shifts like AI and changing consumer demand. Drawing on 70 years in the Philippines, he highlighted the country’s enduring potential and fast-growing regional markets beyond Metro Manila as key opportunities. While tech aids trend analysis, he noted leadership judgment remains critical. SM’s self-sustaining retail, banking, and property units expand nationwide, generate their own growth, and deliver steady dividends—offering investors a resilient, disciplined model focused on future demand and customer focus.

The Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) can give investors a head start by plugging them into 218 established economic zones and 1,777 locator companies already operating along the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas corridor, according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).