GYEONGJU, SOUTH KOREA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday made a pitch for the Philippines as a competitive and reliable investment hub in the Asia-Pacific, outlining reforms to attract foreign capital, strengthen digital infrastructure, and align the country’s economy with global innovation trends.

Speaking before business leaders at the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Marcos said the Philippines is “open, ready, and eager to do business.”

“The Philippines brings a dynamic workforce, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable and inclusive prosperity,” he said.

Marcos cited the enactment of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, which streamlines approvals and promotes private participation, and the CREATE MORE Act, which reduces corporate income tax and extends investment incentives of up to 40 years for strategic projects.

Other key reforms include the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act, which lowers stock transaction taxes; Republic Act 12252, which extends land lease terms for foreign investors up to 99 years; and Executive Order 18, which establishes “green lanes” for fast-tracking strategic investments.

To complement these measures, the President said the Securities and Exchange Commission’s OneSEC Zuper Easy Registration Online (ZERO) Facility allows faster registration for foreign firms entering the local market.

"These reforms are designed to transform the investment landscape and improve operational efficiency," Marcos said.

He also emphasized the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in driving inclusive growth, noting that the country’s National AI Strategy Roadmap guides the integration of automation and data-driven solutions for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The President pointed to the Digitalization of MSMEs Program, which has supported over a million Filipino entrepreneurs through e-commerce and digital marketing training, as well as the Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace, which links small enterprises directly to consumers.

To prepare the workforce for this digital shift, Marcos cited the creation of the Education and Workforce Development Group under Administrative Order No. 36, ensuring that education policies align with future job demands.

He also reaffirmed the Philippines’ participation in regional trade frameworks such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), while pursuing new free trade agreements with the European Union and Chile, and membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

“Strong public-private partnerships and regional integration are essential to harness new technologies and create a connected, future-ready Asia-Pacific,” he said.

Marcos invited investors to work with the Philippines ahead of its ASEAN Chairship in 2026, where the country will prioritize the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, projected to help shape a $2-trillion regional digital market by 2030.