The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the Philippines received commendation from members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for its economic growth trajectory and reforms aimed at improving the investment climate during the country's Sixth Trade Policy Review (TPR) in Geneva, Switzerland.

During the review on 24 June, WTO Chair Ambassador Nella Pepe Tavita-Levy of Samoa highlighted the Philippines' strong economic performance and sustained reform momentum since its previous review in 2018.

She noted that trade-driven growth has strengthened the country's economic resilience and contributed to poverty reduction.

Among the key developments cited were the easing of business and foreign investment regulations, infrastructure expansion, advances in the digital economy, and continued efforts to reduce trade barriers.

The DTI also pointed to Executive Order No. 113, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in April, which promulgated the 13th Regular Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL). The measure defines the scope and limits of foreign participation in various industries under the Foreign Investments Act of 1991.

The updated FINL retained existing foreign ownership restrictions in several sectors while continuing broader economic reforms aimed at attracting investments.

Under the policy, industries such as mass media, cooperatives, private security agencies, and small-scale mining remain reserved for Filipino citizens. Foreign ownership is limited to 25 percent in private recruitment and the construction of defense-related structures, while advertising remains capped at 30 percent foreign equity.

The Philippine Statistics Authority earlier reported that the country maintained a proactive, export-driven trade strategy in 2025, supported by double-digit export growth, a narrowing trade deficit, and digital trade facilitation measures.

Total external trade in goods reached $218.68 billion, representing an 8.9-percent increase from the previous year.

Leading the Philippine delegation, Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty reaffirmed the country's commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system.

“The Philippines values the TPR Mechanism as an important exercise to promote transparency, strengthen mutual understanding, and foster constructive dialogue among members,” Gepty said.

“It is likewise an opportunity for the Philippines to demonstrate that we are open for business and ready to engage with all our partners,” he added.

Mexico's Ambassador Manuel Aguilar Perez, who served as the official discussant during the review, cited the longstanding relationship between the Philippines and Mexico dating back to the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.

He also commended the Philippines for pursuing trade-opening reforms despite global economic challenges.

A total of 45 WTO member economies participated in the review and recognized the country's structural reforms during the review period. Members also welcomed the Philippine delegation's submission of written responses to all 388 advance questions before the meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body.

The review concluded its second and final session on 26 June.

The DTI delegation was joined by representatives from member agencies of the Technical Committee on WTO Matters, the Philippine Permanent Mission to the WTO, and the House of Representatives.

The Philippines' next Trade Policy Review is scheduled for 2033.