Outpouring investments in 2023 — PwC

The Philippines is expecting a windfall investment in 2023, with fortune smiling in the region in five key industries, including telecommunications, renewable energy, insurance, logistics, and agriculture, the consultancy firm PwC Philippines said in its year-end report.

"The year 2023 is expected to enjoy higher investor confidence in emerging industries, particularly telecommunications, renewable energy, insurance, logistics and agriculture. With the expanding 5G connectivity, major companies will continue commercializing their assets to fund network expansion plans," the report said.

Further, it said that this is estimated to require up to 4,000 new towers yearly, quoting a report from independent operator EdgePoint Infrastructure.

"Renewable energy firms, on the other hand, are expected to further increase their investments in alternative energy because of the country's moratorium on coal plants and the declining sources of coal," it added.

In addition, the PwC report said foreign investors are eyeing the insurance industry, with the recent discussions between the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association or PIRA and companies representing capital firms from Korea, Thailand and Japan.

"With the incoming increase in the minimum capital requirement changes from P900 million to P1.3 billion, PIRA has noted that mergers and acquisition have become a major option for some insurers who will be unable to comply," the report stated.

In the logistics sector, the market is expected to reach P1 trillion by 2024, driven by the government's plans to expand the logistics capacity in the country.

Such plans include the National Logistics Strategy, which has mapped out 455 priority infrastructure projects in the private sector for the industry.

Dealmakers will also seek investments in agriculture following the emergence of agribusinesses and agricultural innovations, such as data-driven farming and automation.

"Amid the rising inflation rate, food security issues and continuing geopolitical concerns, the Philippines is expected to grow gradually next year. The country's growth will be driven by the amendments made by the government to attract investments further, initiatives from the government and national agencies to support the public and private sectors, and the improvement of the business framework to align with international standards," the report said.

According to the PwC, laws that will further drive foreign investments in the country include the Retail Trade Liberalization Law, Foreign Investment Act and Public Service Act.

The amendments in Republic Act 11595, or Retail Trade Liberalization Law, reduce the minimum paid-up capital requirements for foreign retail enterprises from P30 million to P25 million, removing the need for a pre-qualification certificate to the Board of Investments and lowering the investment requirement.

From having a minimum investment of $830,000 per store, a registered retailer engaged through more than one physical store is now required to have approximately $200,000.

Earlier, Malacañang disclosed that foreign visits by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to various countries yielded $23.6 billion in investment pledges.