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The Department of Finance and global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Inc. are exploring financing opportunities for priority projects under the Luzon Economic Corridor
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KKR reaffirmed its support for the Philippines and expressed interest in expanding its investment portfolio in the country
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The firm has deployed more than US$2 billion in assets under management in the Philippines, including digital finance, infrastructure, and essential services
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KKR identified potential investments in fintech, healthcare, energy, telecom, education, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, logistics, and digital infrastructure
The Department of Finance (DOF) and global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Inc. (KKR) are exploring financing opportunities for priority projects under the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), as the Philippine government seeks to attract more long-term investments into the country.
Government Corporations and Investments Group undersecretary Ma. Angela Ignacio, representing Finance secretary Frederick Go, met with David Petraeus, partner and chairman of the KKR Global Institute, during which the investment firm reaffirmed its support for the Philippines and expressed interest in expanding its local portfolio, according to DOF.
“Through strategic reforms aimed to streamline ease of doing business, we are committed to attract more partnerships to strengthen key industries and bolster our position as a top investment destination in the region,” Ignacio said.
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KKR is a global investment firm managing around $750 billion in assets across private equity, infrastructure, credit, and real assets.
The firm has deployed more than $2 billion in assets under management in the Philippines, with investments in digital finance, infrastructure, and essential services.
“The KKR Global Institute has pushed coming into the Philippines way back. The macro circumstances were such that we felt we should get in here. This is a young country, has grown fast, and needs infrastructure and other financing to do well,” Petraeus said.
During the meeting, Ignacio outlined the progress of the LEC, which has drawn additional partners to support the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure, information and communications technology, and the energy sector.
Potential sectors for investment
KKR executives identified potential investment opportunities in fintech, healthcare, energy, telecommunications infrastructure, and education, as well as in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, logistics, and digital infrastructure.
The firm also underscored the importance of sustained investments in human capital and infrastructure, alongside supportive policies, in securing additional long-term financing for the country.
DOF said the Philippine government has introduced reforms to improve the investment climate and make it easier for investors to pursue long-term projects.
These include the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, the new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, the Investors’ Lease Act, Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, the Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way (ARROW) Act, the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA), and the Enhanced Mining Fiscal Regime Act.
