The recent special survey analysis conducted by the 2023 AHK World Business Outlook with a focus on comparing Philippine results with ASEAN and Worldwide counterparts bared that the German firms doing business in the Philippines remain optimistic about the economic outlook for the country.

Corollary to this, the German businesses demonstrate stronger intentions to increase employment over the next 12 months, especially when compared to their counterparts in ASEAN countries and other global locations according to the AHK World Business Outlook Fall 2023, conducted by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) and the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK).

This special survey evaluated the Philippines’ specific results to those of other AHK entities in the ASEAN region and around the world – comparing potential risks and challenges faced at their respective sites. Additionally, the survey examined investment areas and influential factors, providing a comprehensive view of the business climate.

“Recognizing the Philippines as a key market in the ASEAN region, it was crucial to gauge its standing and identify areas for growth and success,” says GPCCI Executive Director Christopher Zimmer “The satisfactory outlook in the Philippines is encouraging to see as GPCCI continues to provide a platform for German businesses in their market entry in the Philippines.”

ASEAN Level: Energy Costs remain a concern, ask gov’t to explore sustainable sources

While the firms expressed business optimism and eye job creation, they also revealed the challenges of the rising energy costs in operating the business. The analysis reports that the Philippines ranks highest amongst ASEAN countries in positive outlook toward business situation (44%), expectation (63%), and employment intentions (48%). It shows confidence, a positive outlook on business growth, and German-Philippine companies’ intent to hire more Filipino workers.

The survey also evaluated that the Philippines ranks the highest amongst ASEAN countries in considering Energy Prices (38%) as a topmost concern for the respondents. Local economic expectations (22%) are also reflected in the local survey (38%).

“Philippines’ growth and foreign investment face challenges from high energy prices, a concern both locally and globally,” states GPCCI Policy and Advocacy Committee Chairperson Dr. Marian Norbert Majer. “With rising costs, it’s vital for the government to further explore better alternatives like German renewable energy technologies.”

The Global Stage: PH Leads in 12-month Economic Forecast and Employment, Boasts Robust Services and Sales Sectors

In the global landscape, the Philippines has garnered significant attention of an improved business expectations (63%) and local economic expectations in the next 12 months where the Philippines poised as the highest (22%). Furthermore, the country also led in employment intentions, with 48% of participants plan to hire more within the country in the next 12 months.

Moreover, the Philippines has established dominance in the services sector, claiming the highest ranking at 47% as a pivotal factor for investment as well as maintaining a competitive edge in sales and marketing at 50%.

“The global comparison shows more interest in job creation by German businesses in the Philippines” says GPCCI President Stefan Schmitz. “Aside from continuing to liberalize the Philippine economy for foreign players, we urge the Philippine government to take advantage of this momentum by instituting laws that seek to improve skills development of Filipinos such as amending the outdated Apprenticeship system and strengthen enterprise-based education.”

The proposed changes to the Apprenticeship Law, highlighted among President Marcos Jr.’s priority bills, aim to eliminate the cap on apprenticeship duration. This amendment acknowledges that the necessary length of training should be determined based on the specific skill or curriculum requirements.

By Monsi A. Serrano

Following the gradual opening of the economy in the Philippines across all industries and the availability of various coronavirus vaccines, the business sector and other stakeholders look forward to a better 2021.

Highlighting the need to ramp up economic recovery and bring in more foreign investors, the 3 hours 2021 Virtual Economic Outlook spearheaded by the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines has resulted in intelligent, innovative, and co-creative discussions by exploring viable solutions and opportunities in the business. Likely scenarios and forecasts were presented for the government to consider post-COVID-19.

What made the Virtual Economic Outlook exciting was the active participation from the attendees during the discussions and questions and concerns raised that will be included in the feedback mechanism for the government to evaluate and consider to implement.

The discussions about fostering resiliency, boosting the foreign direct investments, and welcoming of the opportunities in a post-pandemic scenario were covered.

Present speakers at the event were Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, Industry Development and Trade Policy Group and DTI Vice-Chairman and Managing Head of Philippine Board of Investment, Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, National Development Policy and Planning, (NEDA) and Mr. Edward Lee, Chief Economist, ASEAN and South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank.

Concerns about vaccination, travel restrictions, removing economic barriers, and age restrictions in the Philippines were discussed.

Both DTI and NEDA urged for the government to allow children to go out in a bid to increase economic activity. NEDA underscored the importance of removing economic barriers and passing the economic reforms to attract foreign direct investment in the country such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act and Retail Trade and Liberalization Act.

The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines 2021 Virtual Economic Outlook is supported by the Nordic Chamber of Commerce Philippines, German Chamber of Commerce Philippines, French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, and Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.