Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged investors to pursue sustained, long-term investments in the Philippines, assuring them of a stable business environment, improved infrastructure, skilled workforce, and continuing reforms. Marcos made the call during the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City, where he outlined the government's efforts to attract investments that would strengthen domestic industries and expand Filipino capabilities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized the importance of companies establishing long-term operations in the country, transferring knowledge and technology, and developing Filipino talent while working with local suppliers. He expressed a vision for Filipino enterprises to evolve into producers, innovators, exporters, and investors in their own right. The government is taking significant steps to expand renewable energy resources and build the digital foundations of the economy.
Marcos highlighted the development of the country's digitally capable workforce to handle higher-value jobs, enabling Filipino enterprises to become creators of emerging technologies. The government is expanding secure connectivity, advanced computing infrastructure, and is also focusing on strengthening cybersecurity and establishing safeguards for the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
In addition to digital advancements, Marcos pointed out opportunities for expanding the Philippines' role in the semiconductor and electronics industry, particularly in design, research, and engineering. The country's strategic location and skilled workforce provide a solid foundation for shipbuilding, ship repair, marine engineering, and other maritime industries. The responsible development of the country's critical mineral sector, focusing on domestic processing, manufacturing, research, and innovation, is also a priority for the government.
Marcos underscored the importance of investments that not only strengthen the economy but also expand Filipino capability. He emphasized the need for Filipinos to capture a greater share of the value created in the country by investing in the nation's greatest asset-its people. To facilitate this, the government has introduced measures such as the CREATE MORE Act, the Public-Private Partnership Code, the green-lane system for strategic investments, and ongoing regulatory reforms to make doing business in the Philippines easier and more predictable.
He encouraged investors and business leaders to establish enterprises in the Philippines and form lasting partnerships with local businesses and communities. Marcos assured investors of consistent rules, credible institutions, timely decisions, and honored commitments, asserting that trust in the Philippines is earned through consistent action. The government, he vowed, will provide direction and a stable investment environment, while the private sector will bring capital, technology, expertise, and the capacity to turn plans into productive enterprises. Marcos urged investors to view the Philippines not just as another market, but as a trusted partner and a place where they can build, innovate, and grow for generations.
