Empowering Economic Growth: 9th Joint Economic Briefing Highlights

On 16 January 2025, the 9th Joint Economic Briefing, held at Dusit Thani Manila and organized in collaboration with the Belgian, British, Dutch, European, German, French, Spanish, Swiss, and Nordic Chambers, highlighted the opportunities and challenges shaping the Philippines' economic landscape as the country moves toward 2025.

The event focused on several critical topics, including the country’s projected economic growth, its participation in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in advancing infrastructure and sectoral development.

Event Highlights

• Opening Remarks: His Excellency Massimo Santorro, EU Ambassador to the Philippines, set the tone with a message emphasizing international collaboration to unlock investment opportunities.
• Keynote Address: Hon. Angel Ignacio, Undersecretary from the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, outlined the government’s economic priorities and policies fostering foreign direct investments (FDIs).
• Economic Outlook: Dante Tinga Jr., Senior Vice President at Banco De Oro Unibank Inc., delivered a comprehensive analysis of the 2024-2025 economic forecast.
• Policy Updates: Rowena Candice Ruiz, Executive Director of the Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office, presented key developments in the new Government Procurement Act.
• Panel Discussion: Moderated by Chris Nelson, Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce, the panel brought together leaders such as:
  • Undersecretary Timothy Batan (Department of Transportation)
  • Evariste Cagatan (Board of Investment)
  • Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol (Department of Energy)

This event provided a unique opportunity to gain insights into the Philippine economic outlook for 2025, stay informed on trade policies and their business implications, discover infrastructure development and investment opportunities, explore growth in sectors like logistics, technology, and renewable energy, and network with government officials, industry experts, and business leaders.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, enabling participants to engage directly with the distinguished speakers and further explore investment opportunities.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Partners

NordCham Philippines extends its special thanks to all participants, speakers, and partner chambers—the Belgian-Filipino, British, Dutch, French, Spanish, German-Philippine, European, Nordic, and Swiss Chambers of Commerce—for their invaluable contributions to the success of this event.

As the Philippines continues to strengthen its global economic position, platforms like the Joint Economic Briefing remain pivotal in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and actionable insights to drive sustainable growth.