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The Philippines remains bullish about the entry of multinational enterprises from across the globe, particularly those with operations in and coming from China, according to Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque
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China remains one of the Philippines’ top investment partners, accounting for 22% of total foreign investments
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Within PEZA, the 118 registered Chinese companies have contributed over $406 million in exports and generated more than 16,000 jobs
The Philippines remains bullish about the entry of multinational enterprises from across the globe, particularly those with operations in and coming from China, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque.
Roque also serves as board chairperson of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga in a statement said, “With the growing interest in the Philippines as the new ‘plus one’ preferred destination in ASEAN for companies relocating from China, we are confident that we can swiftly accommodate and welcome these companies as new locators.”
There should be no delay in their relocating to the Philippines if the country is to secure its position in the evolving regional market, Panga added.
China remains one of the Philippines’ top investment partners, accounting for 22% of total foreign investments. Within PEZA, the 118 registered Chinese companies have contributed over $406 million in exports and generated more than 16,000 jobs.
PEZA concluded a three-day investment mission to Shenzhen, China from May 28 to 30, 2025, organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou and the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Guangzhou.
The mission sought to deepen trade and investment linkages between the Philippines and China, especially in the manufacturing sector.
The Philippine delegation also aimed to position the country as a smart and strategic choice for Chinese businesses looking to expand in Southeast Asia.
During the Philippine Business Forum, Panga delivered a presentation on investment opportunities in PEZA-registered economic zones, complemented by a presentation from Monica Trajano, Vice President for Commercial Strategy at Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates.
Trajano focused on the country’s industrial landscape, notably the Aboitiz-led estates.
Former agriculture secretary Arthur Yap also provided an overview of Philippine investment laws.
The forum attracted interest in PEZA from 10 participating companies, most notably from leading global motorcycle brand Piaggio which makes the well-known Vespa scooter.
Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas expressed appreciation for PEZA’s continued commitment to attract investments and generate employment for Filipino workers.
PTIC Commercial Attaché Froilan Pamintuan likewise cited PEZA for its proactive and strategic efforts in promoting the Philippines as a viable investment destination.
For his part, Rafael Fernandez de Mesa of Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates said, “The leadership of DTI, PTICs, and PEZA—especially under Director General Panga—has been crucial in ensuring that our country remains visible, viable, and investor-ready.”
De Mesa added that at Aboitiz InfraCapital, “we are proud to work alongside these institutions to shape globally competitive investment environments—where industries can thrive, partnerships can flourish, and growth can be shared.”
Apart from the forum, PTIC Guangzhou also organized B2B meetings with companies interested in transferring their operations to the Philippines.
The companies, engaged in industrial robotics, electronics, automotive, medical device manufacturing, garments, and e-commerce, have yet to make concrete decisions as they are still in the exploratory phase with scheduled visits to the Philippines.
PEZA conducted a facility visit to Shenzhen Grandsun Electronic Co., Ltd., the parent company of Grandsun Advanced Electronics (PH) Co. Inc.—a PEZA-registered enterprise currently operating in the Lima Technology Center in Batangas. Grandsun reaffirmed its commitment to expanding operations in the Philippines in the coming years, with plans to bring its entire supply chain to the country and eventually manufacture its full product line domestically.
PEZA also met with the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) Dongguan, headed by Zhao Wenfa, to discuss collaboration with key players in Dongguan’s business community. Some members of CCOIC had already conducted an exploratory business mission to the Philippines on April 25–26 to learn more about the country’s business environment and conduct an ocular visit of selected ecozones in Laguna and Batangas. This followed the China investment mission conducted by PEZA in partnership with Aboitiz InfraCapital last March 20.
“PEZA has recently received numerous inquiries, and we are hearing the same sentiments from the companies we met in Shenzhen. Surely, this is the best time for the Philippines to host their operations—and we at PEZA assure you that with the President at the forefront of this initiative, we will make it happen in the Philippines,” said Panga.
PEZA is encouraging Chinese producers to engage in direct manufacturing, value-added production, and long-term operations within the country, instead of just as a transshipment point, particularly for goods ultimately bound for the US.
This way, registered business enterprises will continue contributing to genuine economic activity and job creation, further positioning the Philippines as a gateway to the ASEAN market.
PEZA has already achieved 24% of its annual target following the approval of P66.34 billion worth of investments from 102 new and expansion projects approved from January to May 2025.
Major contributors to this increase included South Korea (16.12%), the US (4.08%), China (3.30%), Japan (2.92%), and the Netherlands (2.16%).
“The continued rise in investments affirms the Philippines’ position as a competitive and future-ready destination in Asia,” said DTI Secretary Roque.
“As the global business landscape shifts under the China+1+1 strategy, the Philippines stands ready to serve as a strategic partner in enhancing regional resilience,” said Panga.
