SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA—The Philippine Government, through its Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Seoul, is set to host the Philippine Business Forum on April 7, 2025, bringing together top government officials, industry leaders and stakeholders from the Philippines and Korea to explore lucrative investment opportunities in emerging sectors. Hosted at the Grand Hall of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Seoul, the forum will provide vital insights into the Philippines’ evolving business landscape, highlighting key sectors such as electronics and semiconductor, clean energy, EV and critical mineral processing, high-tech agriculture, and logistics.

The event, co-organized with the Philippine Embassy in Korea, and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA), in partnership with the Korea Times, will feature discussions on strategic policy directions, high-level business meetings, and opportunities for investment in priority sectors.

A major highlight of the forum will be the focus on the CREATE MORE Act, which enhances investment incentives, fosters innovation-driven growth, and strengthens the Philippines’ position as a competitive hub for foreign and domestic businesses. The legislation is expected to make the Philippines even more attractive for investment, particularly in technology, clean energy, and critical infrastructure.

The Forum will be graced by Special Assistant to the President of the Philippines for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick D. Go, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy of South Korea Ahn Duk-geun, and Ambassador of the Philippines to Korea H.E. Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega.

Secretary Go will provide an overview of the Philippine Business Climate and Strategic Policy Directions, focusing on the implementation of CREATE MORE and its impact on investment opportunities. Meanwhile, Philippine Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo will present the Philippine Positioning Strategy and Investment Opportunities in crucial complementing sectors with South Korea.

The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion offering deeper insights into sectoral developments and investments opportunities, with representatives from both the Philippine government and private sector. Panelists include BOI Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa of BOI, Department of Energy (DOE) Director Patrick T. Aquino, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) President Dan Lachica, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) President Edmund Araga, and Widus International Leisure, Inc. President Han Dae Sik.

This event is part of the broader CREATE MORE Roadshow, an international investment promotion initiative led by the Philippine government. The roadshow officially launched with a kickoff event in Manila on March 27, 2025, and this forum in South Korea marks the first international stop in a series of CREATE MORE promotional events aimed at showcasing the Philippines’ enhanced investment incentives and business opportunities to key global players.

The Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) builds on the CREATE Act, further enhancing the country’s investment climate by introducing targeted incentives, streamlined processes, and expanded support for high-impact industries. It strengthens tax benefits for foreign and domestic investors, fosters innovation and research-driven enterprises, and promotes greater ease of doing business. These measures position the Philippines as an even more competitive and attractive destination for global investors, particularly in sectors like electronics and semiconductors, clean energy, EV and critical mineral processing, high-tech agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and logistics.

The Philippines continues to strengthen its economic ties with South Korea following the signing of the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement (PH-KR FTA) in October 2023. With its implementation in full swing, both nations are advancing impactful initiatives to unlock greater avenues for trade, investments and sustainable growth. In 2024, South Korea ranked as the fourth-largest contributor of foreign investments, bringing in Php12.73 billion according to BOI data.

Further strengthening bilateral cooperation, the Philippines and Korea likewise forged a strategic partnership in October 2024 to enhance cooperation in security, economy, energy and other areas. This marks a significant milestone in the two countries’ 75-year diplomatic relationship, underscoring their shared commitment to long-term economic and geopolitical cooperation. ♦

Date of release: 03 April 2025

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