France-Philippines business forum strengthens trade, investment ties

The France-Philippines Business Forum held on 11 April 2025 at Fairmont Makati marked a significant step toward expanding business cooperation and trade relations between the two nations.

Spearheaded by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines in collaboration with the Embassy of France, French Foreign Trade Advisors, Philippines-France Business Council, Makati Business Club, and the Department of Trade and Industry, the event convened top officials and industry leaders to strengthen dialogue and pursue economic collaboration.

The forum placed a spotlight on ongoing efforts to reinforce trade and investment ties between France and the Philippines, with government and private sector representatives aligning on strategies to boost cross-border partnerships.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque opened the event alongside Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad.

In her address, Secretary Aldeguer-Roque reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to creating a more investor-friendly environment, citing the CREATE MORE Law as “a clear signal of the Philippines’ openness to invite more French business to explore opportunities in the country,” and encouraging stakeholders to “keep making it happen in the Philippines.”

Minister Saint-Martin echoed these sentiments, emphasizing France’s intent to deepen cooperation by identifying growth sectors and advocating for a formal trade agreement. He noted the importance of a clear trade framework and highlighted tools such as the EU’s preferential trade scheme and the establishment of a Joint Economic Committee to accelerate bilateral cooperation.

In their remarks, Anton Huang of the Philippines-France Business Council and Jacques Christophe Branellec of the French Chamber of Commerce emphasized that long-term partnerships remain essential to sustainable growth. Their messages set the tone for a day focused on collaboration and forward-thinking.

Exploring French business growth in the Philippines

The forum’s first panel, “French Business Development in the Philippines – Key for Success,” featured industry leaders discussing what drives long-term success for French enterprises in the local market. In the first session, executives from Makati Development Cooperation, Bouygues Bâtiment International, Filinvest Development Corp, and ENGIE underscored how trust and partnership have fueled progress in infrastructure and energy projects.

The second session focused on strategic adaptation to the Philippine business environment. Speakers from STMicroelectronic, Air France, and other companies shared practical insights. Pamela Villangca highlighted Air France’s unique role in connectivity, noting that “Air France is currently the only airline offering direct flights between the Philippines and Europe,” which she described as a key driver for both tourism and trade. She added, “Making countries more accessible makes investments more possible.”

Other panelists emphasized the importance of innovation and local collaboration to ensure resilience and sustainable growth in the face of global challenges.

Opportunities for deeper trade engagement

The second panel tackled policy reforms and economic frameworks supporting increased French investment. Undersecretary Allan Gepty discussed the goals of the ongoing PH-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, which include enhancing economic sustainability and ensuring shared prosperity.

Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo of the Board of Investments reported that the Philippines posted a 5.6 percent GDP growth in 2024, the second fastest in Southeast Asia and eighth globally. He emphasized that reforms like the CREATE Law, as well as mechanisms such as the PH-FR Joint Economic Committee, position the country as a competitive investment destination for French enterprises.

Representatives from Makati Business Club and the French Chamber of Commerce also shared private sector perspectives, focusing on how current economic policies can support more inclusive and strategic partnerships.

Building momentum for stronger business relations

The forum wrapped up with closing remarks from Rafael Ongpin of the Makati Business Club and Jacques Christophe Branellec of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, both underscoring the event’s impact in building stronger ties and dialogue between French and Filipino business communities.

Seen as a key milestone in boosting trade and investment, the forum opened doors for future collaboration and reinforced shared efforts to deepen economic relations between France and the Philippines.

The French Chamber extends its sincere thanks to its sponsors for making the event possible. Gold Sponsors: Ocea, Centre Médicale Internationale, Fairmont Makati & Raffles Makati, ReelReve, Havas Ortega Group Philippines, and Jewelmer. Silver Sponsors: TotalEnergies Inc., ENGIE, International Container Terminal Services Inc., CMA CGM, CloudCFO, R Concepts & Events Co, and Teleperformance Philippines.