Philippine officials and Asian Consulting Group (ACG) host Private CEO Luncheon in Bangkok, strengthening Thai-Philippine investment ties

Official Launch of Why Invest in the Philippines? CREATE MORE Edition

Philippine government officials and leading Thai business executives convened on March 2 in Bangkok for an exclusive Private CEO Luncheon Briefing: Investing in the Philippines, organized by Asian Consulting Group (ACG) in partnership with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

The high-level luncheon brought together Thai CEOs, institutional investors, and regional business leaders to explore strategic investment opportunities in the Philippines amid ongoing economic reforms and strengthened ASEAN integration.

Distinguished Speakers

The briefing featured key Philippine officials and investment leaders:

• H.E. Millicent Cruz Paredes, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Thailand

• Tereso O. Panga, Director-General of Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)

• Maria Emmanuelle Burgos, Commercial Counsellor, Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) – Bangkok

• Mon Abrea, Global Tax Policy Expert and Chief Tax Advisor, Asian Consulting Group (ACG)

In her remarks, Ambassador Paredes emphasized the deep cultural and economic ties between Thailand and the Philippines, underscoring ASEAN solidarity as a foundation for expanded bilateral investments.

Director-General Panga highlighted the Philippines’ 436 special economic zones, sector-specific incentives, and the government’s commitment to improving investor experience through digitalization and streamlined processes.

Strong Economic Fundamentals and Reform Momentum

During the briefing, speakers presented the Philippines’ projected 2026 growth outlook of 5.6% to 7%, positioning the country among Southeast Asia’s steady-growth economies.

The Philippines continues to maintain investment-grade ratings from:

• Fitch Ratings

• S&P Global Ratings

• Moody’s Investors Service

With 118 million consumers, a young workforce, expanding middle class, and ongoing liberalization of foreign ownership restrictions, the Philippines reinforced its message to Thai investors: it is open, reforming, and ready.

Official Book Launch: Why Invest in the Philippines? CREATE MORE Edition

A highlight of the event was the official international launch of:

WHY INVEST IN THE PHILIPPINES? A Guide to Investing and Doing Business in the Philippines – CREATE MORE Edition

Authored by Mon Abrea

The guidebook provides a comprehensive overview of:

• The CREATE MORE Act

• Investment incentives and tax reforms

• 2025–2028 Strategic Investment Priority Plan

• Emerging industry opportunities

• Ease of Doing Business reforms

The publication has received strong endorsements from senior Philippine government officials.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto stated:

“This guidebook not only showcases our collective progress in making it easier to do business in the country but also sends a clear message to investors that the Philippines is open, ready and safe for investment.”

Senator Win Gatchalian added:

“With our continuing reforms and shared commitment to sustainable development, the Philippines can serve as a reliable and strategic partner in your business success.” 

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, Managing Head of the Board of Investments, emphasized: “By spotlighting the CREATE MORE Act, supported by the 2025–2028 Strategic Investment Policy Plan, the guide underscores the government’s commitment to fostering sustained, inclusive, and transformative economic growth.”

Finance Secretary Frederick Go noted:

“It stands as an essential guide to the Philippine tax system, current policies, emerging trends and investment opportunities.”

ASEAN Partnership, Not Competition

In his keynote, Mon Abrea framed the Philippines not as a competitor to Thailand, but as a complementary partner within ASEAN.

“We are not asking Thai investors to choose between Thailand and the Philippines,” Abrea said. “We are inviting them to extend their home.”

He emphasized that structural reforms — including risk-based audit, digital VAT refunds, ecozone automation, and alignment with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) standards — signal long-term credibility and predictability for multinational investors.

Looking Ahead

The Bangkok luncheon briefing marks the kickoff of the 2026 Philippine Investment Mission across major global cities with its theme: The Philippine Rises, The World Invests.

With strengthened institutional collaboration between government agencies, diplomatic corps, and private sector leaders, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to providing Thai investors with:

• Policy stability

• Incentive clarity

• Regulatory modernization

• Strategic ASEAN connectivity

As ASEAN economies deepen integration, the dialogue in Bangkok signals a shared ambition:

When Thailand grows, ASEAN grows.

When the Philippines grows, ASEAN grows.

For partnership and collaboration, email consult@acg.ph.

About ACG

Asian Consulting Group (ACG) is a leading tax advisory and investment consulting firm in the Philippines, providing strategic guidance to multinational corporations, foreign investors, and high-growth enterprises. ACG actively supports tax reform, ease of doing business initiatives, and global policy alignment to strengthen the Philippines’ investment climate.

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