Manila Times
Upholding Truth. Empowering the Philippines
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The Nation's Story is Told with Honor
Philippine Trade and Investment Initiatives Adapt to Global Challenges
The Department of Trade and Industry enhances support for exporters and anticipates substantial investment commitments.
As the global trade landscape becomes increasingly complex, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is intensifying its support for local exporters through various initiatives that align with the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023–2028. These initiatives aim to empower Filipino exporters by providing essential tools, knowledge, and market access necessary for competing on the international stage.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque highlighted the re-imagining of the Philippine export sector under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, indicating a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable growth.
Through enhanced research and development, strategic partnerships, and talent development, the DTI is positioning Filipino exporters to navigate current trade challenges and contribute to a resilient economy.
From January to May 2025, the DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) led the participation of Filipino companies in prominent international trade fairs across regions, including the Middle East and Europe.
Notable events included Gulfood Dubai and THAIFEX-Anuga Asia, with the Middle East mission alone generating approximately USD 27.28 million in export sales.
The healthcare services sector, showcased at the HIMSS 2025 conference, achieved USD 79 million in actual and potential sales.
Filipino products are gaining international recognition; Miguelito’s Ice Cream has successfully entered the Australian market, while several food products, such as Fisherfarms’ Corn and Coconut Breaded Shrimp, received accolades at the THAIFEX 2025 Taste Innovation Show and Gulfood Innovation Awards 2025. Additionally, LMG Food Products Corporation obtained dual certifications in food safety and halal compliance, enhancing its competitiveness in global markets, especially in the Middle East.
To streamline export processes, the DTI-EMB promotes digital tools including the Philippine FTA Information Portal and the FTA Origin Management System, facilitating exporters' access to crucial trade information.
A series of 35 training sessions titled 'Usapang Exports' covered essential topics such as export documentation and digital trading strategies, with a focus on supporting women-led businesses through the SheTrades Philippines Hub.
In compliance with the CREATE MORE Act, the DTI has begun issuing Export-Oriented Enterprise Certifications, which provide VAT exemptions to qualified exporters.
The Bureau also released the Philippines–Great Britain Export Handbook and EU Export Guidebooks to assist Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with market entry and regulatory compliance.
In response to international trade policy changes, including US reciprocal tariffs, the DTI has engaged in consultations with exporters to identify challenges and formulate adaptive strategies.
This interactive approach aims to ensure that exporters' concerns are addressed through informed policy responses.
The EMB offers a comprehensive range of services to facilitate seamless international trade, including the issuance of Certificates of Origin, export documentation, and advisory services on market entry and product positioning.
In parallel, the Board of Investments (BOI) is forecasting over ₱1 trillion in investment commitments over the next two quarters.
Currently, the BOI is reviewing 65 projects with a value totaling ₱290 billion, of which 12 are classified as strategic under the government’s green lane program, designed to expedite the approval of significant investment activities.
Two large utility-scale renewable energy projects and an additional strategic infrastructure project are progressing toward registration, cumulatively valued at ₱832 billion.
These initiatives are expected to generate over 4,000 jobs upon approval.
To sustain the momentum of investment interest, the BOI plans to enhance its promotional campaigns through nationwide roadshows that advocate for the CREATE MORE initiative.
Additionally, investment forums are scheduled in various strategic markets, aiming to attract high-value investments in sectors including digital infrastructure and climate-smart technologies.
The ongoing development of the 2025-2027 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) is expected to open further avenues for investment in vital sectors, reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a burgeoning investment hub.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque highlighted the re-imagining of the Philippine export sector under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, indicating a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable growth.
Through enhanced research and development, strategic partnerships, and talent development, the DTI is positioning Filipino exporters to navigate current trade challenges and contribute to a resilient economy.
From January to May 2025, the DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) led the participation of Filipino companies in prominent international trade fairs across regions, including the Middle East and Europe.
Notable events included Gulfood Dubai and THAIFEX-Anuga Asia, with the Middle East mission alone generating approximately USD 27.28 million in export sales.
The healthcare services sector, showcased at the HIMSS 2025 conference, achieved USD 79 million in actual and potential sales.
Filipino products are gaining international recognition; Miguelito’s Ice Cream has successfully entered the Australian market, while several food products, such as Fisherfarms’ Corn and Coconut Breaded Shrimp, received accolades at the THAIFEX 2025 Taste Innovation Show and Gulfood Innovation Awards 2025. Additionally, LMG Food Products Corporation obtained dual certifications in food safety and halal compliance, enhancing its competitiveness in global markets, especially in the Middle East.
To streamline export processes, the DTI-EMB promotes digital tools including the Philippine FTA Information Portal and the FTA Origin Management System, facilitating exporters' access to crucial trade information.
A series of 35 training sessions titled 'Usapang Exports' covered essential topics such as export documentation and digital trading strategies, with a focus on supporting women-led businesses through the SheTrades Philippines Hub.
In compliance with the CREATE MORE Act, the DTI has begun issuing Export-Oriented Enterprise Certifications, which provide VAT exemptions to qualified exporters.
The Bureau also released the Philippines–Great Britain Export Handbook and EU Export Guidebooks to assist Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with market entry and regulatory compliance.
In response to international trade policy changes, including US reciprocal tariffs, the DTI has engaged in consultations with exporters to identify challenges and formulate adaptive strategies.
This interactive approach aims to ensure that exporters' concerns are addressed through informed policy responses.
The EMB offers a comprehensive range of services to facilitate seamless international trade, including the issuance of Certificates of Origin, export documentation, and advisory services on market entry and product positioning.
In parallel, the Board of Investments (BOI) is forecasting over ₱1 trillion in investment commitments over the next two quarters.
Currently, the BOI is reviewing 65 projects with a value totaling ₱290 billion, of which 12 are classified as strategic under the government’s green lane program, designed to expedite the approval of significant investment activities.
Two large utility-scale renewable energy projects and an additional strategic infrastructure project are progressing toward registration, cumulatively valued at ₱832 billion.
These initiatives are expected to generate over 4,000 jobs upon approval.
To sustain the momentum of investment interest, the BOI plans to enhance its promotional campaigns through nationwide roadshows that advocate for the CREATE MORE initiative.
Additionally, investment forums are scheduled in various strategic markets, aiming to attract high-value investments in sectors including digital infrastructure and climate-smart technologies.
The ongoing development of the 2025-2027 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) is expected to open further avenues for investment in vital sectors, reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a burgeoning investment hub.
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