MAKATI CITY, Philippines (January 16, 2025)—The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (CCIFP), in collaboration with other European chambers in the country, successfully hosted the 9th Joint Economic Briefing on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Dusit Thani Manila.
The event brought together a diverse group of international business leaders to explore the Philippines’ expanding role in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and its potential to unlock new economic opportunities. Key discussions centered on the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in advancing infrastructure development and bolstering key sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy.
The program began with an opening address from His Excellency Massimo Santorro, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines. Ambassador Santorro underscored the importance of international partnerships in creating investment opportunities. Following this, Hon. Angel Ignacio, Undersecretary from the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, delivered a keynote speech outlining the government’s economic priorities and policies aimed at attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs).
Adding depth to the discussion, Dante Tinga Jr., Senior Vice President at Banco De Oro Unibank Inc., presented an analysis of the 2024-2025 Economic Outlook. Meanwhile, Rowena Candice Ruiz, Executive Director V of the Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office, provided an overview of significant updates to the new Government Procurement Act.
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion featuring prominent speakers, including Undersecretary Timothy Batan of the Department of Transportation, Ms. Evariste “Eries” M. Cagatan, Executive Director for Investments Promotion Services at the Board of Investments, and Ms. Mylene Capongcol, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Energy. Moderated by Mr. Chris Nelson, Executive Director and Trustee of the British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, the panel tackled pressing economic issues, assessed FDIs, and discussed new investment opportunities.
The discussion emphasized the importance of partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative efforts in fostering sustainable growth, economic resilience, and long-term prosperity.
The event ended with a Q&A session where the audience sought further insights and clarification on the discussed topics. The session fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, leaving the participants with a deeper understanding of the economic landscape and potential opportunities for collaboration.
CCI France Philippines is grateful for the knowledge and insights we’ve gained from the event. We look forward to working with you in driving economic momentum and harnessing investment potential this 2025.