With the resumption of the European Union-Philippines Free Trade Agreement negotiations gaining momentum, the Philippines is at a pivotal moment to further strengthen its trade and investment ties with Europe. As one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, the country recorded steady economic growth in 2024, outpacing several ASEAN neighbors, including Malaysia and Thailand. With a young, highly skilled workforce and a rapidly expanding middle-class market, the Philippines presents significant opportunities for European businesses looking to expand in the region.

Complementing these economic strengths are major policy reforms aimed at improving the country's business climate. The CREATE MORE Act is enhancing fiscal incentives for investors, while the newly enacted Public-Private Partnership Code is expected to drive infrastructure development. Additionally, the liberalization of key sectors, such as allowing full foreign ownership in renewable energy, is attracting greater foreign direct investment. Key infrastructure projects and the Build Better More Program are modernizing our infrastructure and improving connectivity. The government has also strengthened its commitment to streamlining business processes, with the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments facilitating high-impact projects in critical sectors like renewable energy and digital infrastructure. Further improvements, including capital market reforms and the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, are making the business environment more competitive and attractive to both local and foreign investors.

In this context, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) are once again joining forces to organize the 2025 European-Philippine Business Dialogue (EPBD) and European Investors' Night. With the theme "Keeping the Philippine Centrestage," this flagship event will bring together respected business leaders from across Europe and Southeast Asia to the Philippines, providing a dynamic platform for exploratory discussions on how the country can further strengthen its position as a favorable investment destination and enhance its economic competitiveness on the global stage.

The dialogue will also delve into the Philippines' business and investment climate, exploring strategies to deepen economic ties with Europe and the broader ASEAN region and unlock new trade and investment opportunities.