Cebu declared Asia Pacific’s economic epicenter at CIIS launch
To be held from 12-16 January, 2026, at the provincial capitol, the 1st Cebu International Investment Summit CIIS 2026 will welcome welcome high-level delegations, CEOs, and sovereign wealth representatives from key economic partners, including South Korea, Singapore, Japan, mainland China, Taiwan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
‘CAPITAL is on the move, and Cebu is ready to capture it,’ said Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro. ‘The Cebu International Investment Summit 2026 is designed to convert our global visibility — often focused on tourism — into long-term investment pipelines. We are connecting world capital with real-economy opportunities.’ The Cebu Provincial Capitol's Social Hall will be the venue of the first CIIS which will be held from 12 January to 16 January next year.
Philippine News Agency
The Cebu provincial government and the Cebu Provincial Investment and Promotions Division (CPIPD) declared on 24 December 2025 that Cebu is now Asia Pacific’s Economic Epicenter.
This, as global strategist as Dr. Brian To, with 1 Tahanan Partylist Congressman Nathaniel Oducado, and CPIPD head Paulo Uy launched the Cebu international Investment Summit (CIIS) 2026 to be held from 12 to 16 January 2026 at the Social Hall of the provincial capitol in Cebu City.
Cebu read to capture capital
“Capital is on the move, and Cebu is ready to capture it,” said Governor Pamela Baricuatro. “CIIS 2026 is designed to convert our global visibility — often focused on tourism — into long-term investment pipelines. We are connecting world capital with real-economy opportunities.”
For his part, Uy said, “We are building a future-ready hub that combines connectivity, talent, and stability. Cebu is open for business, and CIIS 2026 is the gateway.”
Targeting Global Powerhouses
CIIS 2026 is set to welcome high-level delegations, chief executive officers (CEOs), and sovereign wealth representatives from key economic partners, including South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Mainland China, Taiwan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
The event will convene a diverse roster of “Industry Champions,” including leaders from top conglomerates such as SM, Megaworld, Cebu Pacific and Aboitiz, alongside global strategy advisors and policymakers. Their voices will provide prospective investors with a clear picture of the regulatory landscape and local support systems available in Cebu.
High-level discussions
The summit is strategically timed to precede the Sinulog Festival, one of the grandest cultural events in Asia. The scheduling allows International delegations to engage in high-level boardroom discussions regarding Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and joint ventures before experiencing the cultural vibrancy of the province, that is, blending business pragmatism with Cebuano hospitality.
The summit will move beyond general discussions, offering a direct look at the Cebu Provincial Investment & Enterprise Code of 2025.
De-risking entry for foreign capital
Sessions will focus on de-risking entry for foreign capital and showcasing a portfolio of “investable” projects, including advanced manufacturing of auto-parts, electronics, and micro manufacturing.
Under life sciences are projects including hospitals, healthcare services, and medical tourism; education partnership, and workforce development under talent hubs; and under infrastructure will be power, water, and mobility network projects.