
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Beijing (PTIC-Beijing), continues to establish the Philippines’ position as a key investment destination in Asia with its participation in the Global Investment Council (GIC) Chinese New Year 2025 Reception held on 19 March 2025.
During the Panel Discussion at the Reception, PTIC-Beijing Commercial Counsellor Peñaranda delivered a compelling presentation on why the Philippines stands out as a strategic choice for investments, particularly as Chinese enterprises increasingly venture internationally. The Philippines has unveiled its vision of becoming a regional hub for sustainable manufacturing and services, supported by continuous government measures to enhance a market and investor-friendly climate. This includes the implementation of the CREATE MORE Act, which offers an enhanced package of incentives tailored to attract global investors.

With abundant human and natural resources, coupled with a strategic location in Southeast Asia, the country remains an attractive destination for foreign direct investments (FDI). As of March 2025, the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) has endorsed 187 strategic projects valued at PHP 4.649 trillion (USD 80.033 billion), covering key sectors such as renewable energy, food security, digital infrastructure, and manufacturing. Notably, the renewable energy sector dominated, with 151 projects making up 91% of the total investment value.
Highlighting the strong economic ties between the Philippines and China, Commercial Counsellor Penaranda noted the success of Philippine enterprises in China, such as the SM Group and Liwayway China. The SM Group operates 10 malls across various Chinese cities, while Liwayway China, a pioneer since 1993, has earned recognition as a Shanghai Famous Brand for snacks. Liwayway now operates 12 factories across China, with recent expansions in Shandong, Fujian, and Shanghai.
The GIC, established in early 2023 in Washington, USA, serves as a non-profit and non-government organization dedicated to facilitating international investment in today’s globalized era. GIC’s global reach is powered by partnerships with federal, state, and local governments, ties to business and industry associations worldwide, and collaborations with Fortune 500 companies and key Chinese ministries. The organization offers services such as information consultancy, resource matchmaking, investment landing and trade assistance for multi-national corporations, and investment recruitment for governments.
The participation of PTIC-Beijing at the GIC Chinese New Year 2025 Reception pushes forward the robust potential for partnerships and economic growth between the two nations, further solidifying the Philippines as a top-tier investment destination in the region.

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Date of Release: 04 April 2025