By Veronica Uy
For those looking to navigate the complexities of setting up shop in the vibrant Philippine market, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) on Thursday released the ultimate resource, the “Doing Business in the Philippines 2025” guidebook.
Unveiled in collaboration with DivinaLaw and the Philippine Board of Investments, this comprehensive publication is a must-have for potential investors and entrepreneurs. Packed with valuable information and insights, the guidebook simplifies processes such as business registration and permitting, offering step-by-step instructions and highlighting the roles of relevant government agencies.
“Today, we are pleased to unveil the latest edition of the Doing Business in the Philippines guidebook, a collaborative effort by the Chamber in tripartite with DivinaLaw and the Board of Investments of the Philippines,” said ECCP president Paulo Duarte.
“This cornerstone publication…remains an invaluable resource for businesses navigating the Philippine market, providing critical insights into the country’s investment environment, regulatory framework, and economic landscape,” he added.
Key features of the guidebook include:
• A detailed breakdown of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives available under recent reforms.
• Specific regulations for the four focus industries: renewable energy, financial technology, real estate, and mining.
• Expanded content on immigration laws, providing clarity on naturalization procedures for expatriates.
• A look at how businesses can align with global trends, such as the Green Economy Program and the European Green Deal.
“Through this guidebook, we equip investors with the tools and knowledge necessary to make sound decisions and capitalize on the vast opportunities the Philippines has to offer,” Duarte said.
He also shared a lighter moment: “We are very happy that Undersecretary Perry (Ceferino Rodolfo of the Department of Trade and Industry) packed 50 or more of these [guidebooks] to bring to Amsterdam” this weekend in his meeting with European businessmen.
Acknowledging both progress and challenges, Duarte said, “With renewed energy and focus on improving the ease of doing business in the Philippines, we are ready to navigate the evolving landscape and needs of the Philippine economy. While there are positive developments, challenges remain.”
He noted that “75 percent of respondents in our latest ECCP business sentiment survey say that there are still barriers to investment and the overall ease of doing business in the country. This should not defeat us but rather encourage us to work even harder to improve.”
European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro, Norwegian Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster, and other key government and private sector leaders attended the guidebook launch.
Duarte said that with its dynamic population, high English proficiency, and robust GDP growth forecast of 6 percent in 2024, the Philippines is poised to attract global investors—and this guidebook might just be the roadmap they need.
