Dean Nilo Divina highlights Phl business opportunities at ECCP launch

DivinaLaw Managing Partner and DAILY TRIBUNE columnist Atty. Nilo T. Divina emphasized the Philippines' commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment during the launch of the Doing Business in the Philippines 2025 guidebook. The event, hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), showcased the country's ongoing efforts to attract investors through reforms and incentives.

“The Philippines is creating a business-friendly environment through incentives, streamlined regulations, and innovation-friendly reforms. Whether through CREATE MORE, renewable energy, fintech, or intellectual property protections, investors are encouraged to seize these opportunities to drive growth and success,” Divina said during the event.

The guidebook, produced by the ECCP in collaboration with DivinaLaw and the Board of Investments (BOI), provides a comprehensive resource for investors. It includes a simplified guide to setting up a business in the Philippines, updates on legal and regulatory topics, and highlights sectors such as renewable energy, financial technology, real estate, and mining.

Hon. Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Vice Chairman of the BOI, discussed the government’s initiatives to attract investments and announced the upcoming release of the 2025-2028 Strategic Investment Priority Plan.

ECCP President Paulo Duarte underscored the chamber’s efforts to strengthen trade relations between Europe and the Philippines, while H.E. Massimo Santoro, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, and H.E. Christian Lyster, Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, highlighted the potential of Free Trade Agreements in boosting trade and investments.

Other notable attendees included Mr. Philipp Dupuis, Minister Counsellor and Head of the Economic Trade Section of the EU Delegation to the Philippines; Atty. Bobby G. Fondevilla, Executive Director of the BOI Investment Assistance Center; and Mr. Ernesto C. Delos Reyes Jr., BOI Director for Investments Assistance Service.

The guidebook aims to empower businesses with tools to navigate the Philippine market, highlighting fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under the CREATE MORE Act, updates on immigration laws, and comprehensive steps for business registration. This year's edition focuses on key industries and regulations that contribute to the country's economic growth.