Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — In 2014, the Philippines saw foreign direct investments (FDI) rise by 65.9% to reach 2013, to reach an all-time high of $6.2 billion, based to figures from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
However, a report from the the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) published last year revealed that the country’s FDI lagged behind behind four other Southeast Asian economies in 2014. Nevertheless, the economy bucked a 16 percent decline in global FDI and outpaced Southeast Asia 5 percent growth. Figures for 2015 have not yet been released.
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In a bid to temper investor speculation on possible changes to the business environment brought by the upcoming elections, a joint partnership between the government and private sector groups will host in New York the 2016 Philippines Business and Investment Forum from March 2 to 4 at the Sheraton Hotel.
The forum, led by the BSP and the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., will bring together leaders from the Filipino government and private sector along with their U.S. and international counterparts for an analysis of the Philippine economic and political situation and the possible opportunities it hold for investors, both in capital markets and in industry. Events include panel debates, breakout sessions, and keynote addresses.
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“These countries will be represented by way of the 120 international trade delegations present in New York. The audience will consist of between 250 -300 high profile individuals from the global investment, diplomatic and business community,” organizers said.
Speakers include key government officials such as Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, BP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr.
A “chairman meets chairman” approach will be followed, in the sense that senior Philippine executives will meet their U.S. counterparts.
