The Department of Trade and Industry has announced that the Philippines has received commendation from the World Trade Organization (WTO) for its growth trajectory and for instituting reforms benefiting foreign direct investors.

During the Sixth Trade Policy Review (TPR) at the WTO office in Geneva, Switzerland last 24 June, WTO Chair Ambassador Nella Pepe Tavita-Levy of Samoa underscored the Philippines’ strong economic performance and sustained reform momentum since its last review period in 2018.

She emphasized how the country’s trade-driven growth has strengthened economic resilience and significantly reduced poverty.

Key achievements

Key achievements highlighted included the easing of business and foreign investment regulations, a strong focus on infrastructure development, advances in the digital economy, and steady progress in removing trade barriers.

Last April, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) 113, promulgating the 13th Regular Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL), which defines the scope and limits of foreign participation in various industries in accordance with the Foreign Investments Act of 1991.

The EO retained longstanding foreign ownership restrictions in key sectors even as it continues to implement economic reforms aimed at attracting more investments.

The FINL divides restrictions into List A (mandated by the Constitution/law) and List B (security, health, morals and small-scale business protection).

Under the updated list, several industries remain closed to foreign investors or subject to strict limits, which include mass media, cooperatives, private security agencies, and small-scale mining, which are reserved for Filipinos with zero percent foreign equity.

Foreign ownership is limited to up to 25 percent in private recruitment and construction of defense-related structures, while advertising remains capped at 30 percent.

Proactive, export-driven trade stance

On the other hand, the Philippine Statistics Authority earlier reported that in 2025, the country maintained a proactive, export-driven trade stance characterized by double-digit export growth, a narrowing trade deficit, and a strong push for digital trade facilitation.

Total external trade in goods reached $218.68 billion, marking an 8.9 percent annual increase.

Reaffirming commitment

With this, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan Gepty, who led the Philippine delegation at the said meeting, reaffirmed the nation’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,” Undersecretary 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.”

Phl-Mexico friendship

Ambassador Manuel Aguilar Perez of Mexico, who served as the official participant for the review, noted the deep historical friendship between the Philippines and Mexico dating back to the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.