The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Board of Investments (BOI), reported that the Philippines continues to attract strong investor confidence from its ASEAN neighbors, with BOI-approved investments from the region reaching ₱252 billion since 2020.
From January to July 2025 alone, ASEAN member states contributed ₱58.07 billion to the BOI’s investment pipeline, underscoring the country’s growing appeal as a preferred destination for regional capital.
Trade Secretary and BOI Chair Cristina A. Roque highlighted that these inflows reflect the Marcos administration’s commitment to advancing priority sectors, strengthening MSMEs, and deepening ASEAN investment partnerships—particularly in the fast-growing digital economy.
“As we build stronger trade and investment ties with our ASEAN neighbors, these numbers reflect the growing confidence of foreign investors in the Philippines as a place for business growth. We remain committed to sustaining a stable and welcoming business environment that generates investments and real opportunities for Filipinos,” Secretary Roque said.
Singapore remains the leading ASEAN source of investment pledges, contributing ₱246 billion since 2020, followed by Indonesia (₱12.27 billion), Thailand (₱4.34 billion), and Malaysia (₱1.7 billion). Major inflows were directed toward Information and Communication (₱169.59 billion) and Power, including renewable energy (₱74.20 billion), along with Manufacturing, Administrative Services, and Agriculture. These projects are projected to generate more than 15,000 jobs for Filipinos up to July 2025.
BOI Executive Director Evariste M. Cagatan emphasized that ASEAN-driven projects align with the Philippines’ drive toward smart, sustainable, and future-ready industries.
Beyond investment figures, the Philippines has actively pursued regional economic diplomacy. President Marcos has engaged ASEAN leaders in bilateral dialogues, including a state visit to Vietnam and his participation in the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last May. Complementing BOI’s data, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also recorded steady ASEAN FDI inflows of US$95.78 million in the first seven months of 2025, led by Singapore and Malaysia.
The BOI has also amplified the country’s green investment agenda, showcasing renewable and climate-aligned opportunities in global forums, while reinforcing the Philippines’ leadership role in ASEAN investment cooperation. Initiatives such as the ASEAN Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan (RIPAP)—launched in 2024—aim to position the bloc as a competitive collective hub for foreign direct investment.
Looking ahead, the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026 is expected to cement its leadership in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, with BOI and DTI already preparing to showcase projects under RIPAP 2025–2030 at the ASEAN Investment Forum this October in Kuala Lumpur.
With robust ASEAN inflows, a strong green investment push, and an upcoming regional leadership role, the Philippines is steadily solidifying its position as a rising investment hub in Southeast Asia.