PEZA strengthens PH position as China+1+1, sees entry of more Chinese investments in PH

Pasay City – As the Philippines takes advantage of its unique and strategic position in global trade, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), led by Board Chairman and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque, remains bullish about the entry of multinational enterprises from across the globe, particularly those with operations in and coming from China.

China remains one of the Philippines’ top investment partners, accounting for 22% of total foreign investments. Within PEZA, the 118 registered Chinese companies have contributed over $406 million in exports and generated more than 16,000 jobs nationwide — underscoring the tangible impact of bilateral economic cooperation.

PHILIPPINE BUSINESS FORUM IN SHENZHEN

From 28 to 30 May 2025, PEZA concluded a three-day investment mission to Shenzhen, China. The event was organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou and the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, in collaboration with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Guangzhou.

The mission aimed to strengthen trade and investment ties between the Philippines and China — particularly in manufacturing — and to position the Philippines as a smart, strategic choice for Chinese enterprises expanding into Southeast Asia.

During the Philippine Business Forum, DG Panga delivered a comprehensive presentation on investment opportunities in PEZA-registered economic zones.

He was joined by Ms. Monica Trajano, Vice President for Commercial Strategy at Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, who highlighted the country’s industrial landscape — particularly the Aboitiz-led estates. Former Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap also provided an overview of Philippine investment laws.

The forum attracted considerable interest in PEZA from 10 participating companies — most notably from leading global motorcycle brand Piaggio, maker of the iconic Vespa scooter — highlighting strong potential for future investment engagements.

Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas expressed appreciation for PEZA’s continued commitment to attracting investments and generating employment for the Filipino people.

PTIC Commercial Attaché Froilan Pamintuan likewise praised PEZA — under the leadership of DG Panga — for its proactive and strategic efforts to promote the Philippines as a viable investment destination, especially amid the growing trend of companies relocating operations from China due to U.S. tariffs.

Echoing this, Rafael Fernandez de Mesa of Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates said, “The leadership of DTI, PTICs, and PEZA — especially under Director General Panga — has been crucial in ensuring that our country remains visible, viable, and investor-ready. At Aboitiz InfraCapital, we are proud to work alongside these institutions to shape globally competitive investment environments — where industries can thrive, partnerships can flourish, and growth can be shared.”

B2B MEETINGS AND FACILITY VISITS

Apart from the forum, PTIC Guangzhou also organized B2B meetings for the PEZA team with companies interested in transferring their operations to the Philippines — citing the country’s proximity to China and uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs, among other factors.

These companies — engaged in industrial robotics, electronics, automotive, medical device manufacturing, garments, and e-commerce — have yet to make concrete decisions, as they are still in the exploratory phase with scheduled visits to the Philippines.

Moreover, PEZA conducted a facility visit to Shenzhen Grandsun Electronic Co., Ltd., the parent company of Grandsun Advanced Electronics (Philippines) Co. Inc. — a PEZA-registered enterprise operating in the Lima Technology Center in Batangas. Grandsun reaffirmed its commitment to expanding operations in the Philippines in the coming years, with plans to bring its entire supply chain to the country and eventually produce its full product line locally.

PEZA also met with the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) Dongguan, led by Mr. Zhao Wenfa, to discuss collaboration with key players in Dongguan’s business community. Notably, some members of CCOIC had already conducted an exploratory business mission to the Philippines on April 25–26 to learn more about the country’s business environment and carry out an ocular visit to selected ecozones in Laguna and Batangas. This followed the China investment mission conducted by PEZA in partnership with Aboitiz InfraCapital on March 20.

DG Panga noted, “PEZA has recently received numerous inquiries, and we are hearing the same sentiments from the companies we met in Shenzhen.

Surely, this is the best time for the Philippines to host their operations — and we at PEZA assure you that with the President at the forefront of this initiative we will make it happen in the Philippines.”

The mission highlights PEZA’s dedication to increasing local content in manufacturing as it draws Chinese and other foreign investors to cater both the domestic and international markets.

PEZA encourages Chinese producers to engage in direct manufacturing, value-added production, and long-term operations within the country, rather than merely using it as a transshipment point — particularly for goods ultimately bound for the United States. This way, RBEs will continue contributing to genuine economic activity and job creation, further positioning the Philippines not only as a gateway to the ASEAN market but also as a trusted and competitive hub for global manufacturing and innovation.

BOARD APPROVALS

As proof of this momentum, PEZA has already achieved 24% of its annual target following the approval of PhP 66.34 billion worth of investments from 102 new and expansion projects approved from January to May 2025.

Major contributors to this increase were South Korea (16.12%), the United States (4.08%), China (3.30%), Japan (2.92%), and the Netherlands (2.16%) — reflecting continued global interest in the Philippines.

Building on this momentum, PEZA continues to strategically position the Philippines as a secure and stable hub for friendshoring — catering to businesses worldwide that are pivoting toward resilient, values-aligned markets.

“The continued rise in investments affirms the Philippines’ position as a competitive and future-ready destination in Asia. Backed by the strong leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we are accelerating ecozone growth to generate jobs, empower industries, and contribute to a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ — where prosperity is shared and progress reaches every Filipino,” said DTI Secretary Roque.

“As the global business landscape shifts under the China+1+1 strategy, the Philippines stands ready to serve as a strategic partner in enhancing regional resilience. Through stronger economic ties with China, PEZA remains committed to fostering mutual prosperity, fortifying supply chains, and creating a more agile and sustainable investment ecosystem in Asia,” noted DG Panga.