SEOUL, Republic of Korea — The Philippines is seeking to convert growing Korean investor interest into new factories, jobs and technology partnerships following a successful investment mission in Seoul that brought together government, diplomatic and private-sector leaders.
South Korea was the Philippines’ largest source of approved foreign investment in the first quarter of 2026, accounting for ₱25.37 billion or 59.5% of the total, underscoring growing interest in the country as companies reassess supply chains and regional expansion strategies.
The Philippine delegation was led by Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Theo Panga, with the full support of Philippine Ambassador to Korea H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez and the Philippine Embassy.
The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Seoul, led by Commercial Attaché Charmaine Yalong, spearheaded investor engagement and helped connect Korean companies with Philippine opportunities and partners.
Private-sector partners included Asian Consulting Group (ACGlobal), Aboitiz Economic Estates and BDO Unibank, providing investors with expertise spanning investment locations, incentives, financing, tax advisory and aftercare.
“Korean companies are seriously looking at the Philippines for expansion, relocation and supply-chain diversification,” said Mon Abrea, Global Tax Policy Expert and Chief Tax Advisor of ACGlobal.
“The opportunity is already there. The challenge now is execution—turning investor interest into actual investments, jobs, exports and technology transfer.”
The mission focused on sectors where Korean capabilities and Philippine growth priorities increasingly intersect, including semiconductors and electronics, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, batteries and electric vehicles, infrastructure, digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Korea brings capital, technology and global supply chains, while the Philippines offers a young workforce, regional market access, competitive investment incentives and a strategic base for ASEAN growth.
RED CARPET, NOT RED TAPE
The Seoul mission also emphasized the importance of investor aftercare and a lower cost of doing business.
ACGlobal said it will continue working with PEZA and other government agencies not only to promote the Philippines abroad, but also to help improve ease of doing business, tax compliance, dispute resolution and regulatory predictability.
“Investment promotion cannot end when an investor registers,” Abrea said. “We need red carpet, not red tape—from market entry to operations, expansion and reinvestment.”
Investor feedback gathered during international missions will also be brought back to policymakers to help identify recurring bottlenecks and improve the Philippine business environment.
FROM SEOUL TO THE WORLD
Following Korea, the investment campaign moves to Japan in September, Canada and the United States in October, and Europe in November.
The global roadshow is supported by the launch of Why Invest in the Philippines? CREATE MORE Edition, a practical guide to Philippine investment opportunities, incentives and market entry, with its virtual edition available free worldwide: https://acg.ph/insights/why-invest-in-the-philippines-create-more-edition-ebook-access
ACGlobal is also welcoming more companies, investment promotion agencies, economic zone developers, financial institutions, chambers, business organizations and strategic sponsors to participate in upcoming missions.
The objective is to build a stronger and more coordinated Team Philippines capable of turning global interest into investments, technology, jobs and sustainable growth.
The question for international investors is moving beyond:
“Why invest in the Philippines?”
It is now:
“What can we build together in the Philippines?”
MORE PAY. MORE INVESTMENTS. BETTER GOVERNMENT.
Let’s MAKE IT HAPPEN IN THE PHILIPPINES!
