The Philippines’ rise to 47th out of 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook marks a notable step forward, but sustaining the momentum will depend on deeper structural reforms, stronger institutions, and accelerated digitalization of government services, according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has extended to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) the Silver Award representing the highest rating of 92.8 percent or “Very Satisfactory”, among 50 government agencies in the agency’s Report Card Survey (RCS) 2.0.
The Philippines is pushing for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union to protect preferential market access and shield exporters from higher tariffs as the country moves closer to losing eligibility for the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
The United Kingdom is seeking to deepen trade and investment ties with the Philippines without waiting for Manila’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), signaling a parallel approach to bilateral and regional economic integration.
Taiwan-based CQS Precision Die Casting Inc. is expanding into the Philippines with a new manufacturing facility in Batangas, adding robotics production to the industrial mix at LIMA Estate.
The Department of Agriculture and National Fisheries Research and Development Institute are bringing snubnose pompano farming to Western Visayas, offering fish farmers a profitable new option.