DTI Kuala Lumpur

FMM COURTESY CALL TO THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY HIGHLIGHTS GROWING OPPORTUNITIES IN MALAYSIA-PHILIPPINES TRADE

KUALA LUMPUR – The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur welcomed a courtesy call from the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) on 21 April 2026 to exchange views on strengthening business engagement between Malaysia and the Philippines, including preliminary discussions on a proposed business mission to the Philippines in September.

The delegation was received by H.E. Ambassador Maria Angela A. Ponce, together with Consul General Rousell R. Reyes, Labor Attaché Jocelyn Ortega, Commercial Counsellor Norjamin Delos Reyes, Attaché Clarisse Marie Villamor, and Trade Assistant Ms. Olivia Su.

The FMM delegation was led by its President, Mr. Jacob Lee Chor Kok, and included Vice Presidents Dato’ Gan Tack Kong, Dato’ Palaniappan Joseph, Ms. Michelle Hah Mei Kian, and Ir. Ter Leong Leng. Also present were FMM Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr. Yeoh Oon Tean, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ms. Shamini Sakthinathan, and Ms. Simren Hosni from the International Business Division.

During the meeting, discussions focused on advancing commercially driven opportunities to strengthen Malaysia-Philippines trade and investment linkages. Both sides highlighted the potential to deepen engagement through targeted collaboration in key sectors such as semiconductors, electrical and electronics (E&E), food processing, and the halal industry, alongside increased business-to-business (B2B) partnerships and participation in regional manufacturing supply chains.

The exchange also reflected growing interest in expanding commercial linkages in Mindanao, including efforts to formalize existing trade flows and explore structured distribution and investment opportunities. In this context, FMM shared its intention to organize a business mission to the Philippines in September, aimed at facilitating direct engagement with industry stakeholders and identifying concrete partnership opportunities.

Beyond traditional sectors, the discussion covered emerging areas such as digital services and business process outsourcing, where the Philippines’ capabilities complement Malaysia’s manufacturing strengths.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing interest in continuing engagement on trade facilitation and business matching initiatives to further strengthen economic linkages between Malaysian manufacturers and Philippine industries. FMM likewise reaffirmed its commitment to fostering regional partnerships that support the growth and competitiveness of the ASEAN manufacturing sector.

PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY STRENGTHENS REGIONAL COLLABORATION ON RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS AT ASEAN INVESTMENT

Kuala Lumpur, 24 October 2025 — The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive, responsible, and sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI) in Southeast Asia at the third ASEAN Investment Forum (AIF) 2025, co-organized by Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the ASEAN Secretariat, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP).

Representing the Philippines, DTI Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo joined ASEAN investment leaders, including Mr. Tirta Nugraha Mursitama, Deputy Minister for Investment of Indonesia, Mr. Bountheung Douangsavanh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Investment of Lao PDR, and Mr. Sar Senera, Deputy Minister of Commerce of Cambodia, in a high-level panel discussion highlighting ASEAN’s vision for a resilient, investor-ready, and integrated regional economy. The panel underscored the importance of regional cooperation, transparent policies, and sustainable growth strategies to attract high-quality FDI and strengthen ASEAN’s global competitiveness.

In his remarks, Undersecretary Rodolfo outlined the Philippines’ ongoing reforms to make its investment environment more open and predictable, citing the liberalization of renewable-energy ownership as a landmark policy under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

He emphasized that the Philippines is now focusing on the implementation of registered renewable-energy and green-industry projects, while adopting the same approach for mineral processing and data-center development.

“Mining contributes less than one percent of our GDP, and we aim to responsibly increase this through the recent passage of the "Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act" (Republic Act No. 12253),” he said. “We’re also preparing policies for localization of highly sensitive public-sector data to attract hyperscalers, and in semiconductors, we’re working with ASEAN partners to secure regional supply chains amid shifting geopolitics.”

Rodolfo emphasized that policy consistency, ease of doing business, and targeted promotion are essential to translate investment commitments into tangible industrial development.

He also underscored ASEAN collaboration opportunities in semiconductors and green-metal value chains, citing complementary strengths among member states.

“There is really an opportunity to segmentize the whole chain and look at where we could focus,” he said. “If ASEAN can explore joint-ownership models, for example, the Philippines and Indonesia co-owning HPAL facilities, we move from transactional to strategic cooperation, ensuring shared value creation.”

The Forum also highlighted ASEAN’s growing portfolio of investment-ready projects in renewable energy, industrial decarbonization, medical devices, solar equipment manufacturing, and regional supply-chain integration. These priorities align with the Philippines’ initiatives under the Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy, the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan, and the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments.

In line with the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, Undersecretary Rodolfo noted that the country aims to accelerate investments in sustainability, connectivity, and digital transformation, ensuring that growth across ASEAN remains inclusive and future-ready.

The Third ASEAN Investment Forum, co-hosted with UN ESCAP, concluded with a unified call for collaboration, as member states committed to deepening partnerships that drive economic integration, sustainability, and innovation. The Forum remains ASEAN’s flagship platform for policy dialogue, investment promotion, and cooperation among governments, investors, and development institutions.


Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia
Malaysian Investment Development Authority - MIDA

BOARD OF INVESTMENTS DIRECTOR FOR INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS PROMOTION LANIE DORMIENDO SHOWCASES PHILIPPINES’ INDUSTRIAL AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT SELANGOR ASEAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, 09 OCTOBER 2025 – Ms. Lanie Dormiendo, Director of the International Investments Promotion Service (IIPS), Philippine Board of Investments, presented during the Selangor ASEAN Business Conference 2025 highlighting the country’s growing competitiveness as a destination for sustainable and high-value investments.

In her presentation, Ms. Dormiendo underscored the Philippines’ unique strengths of having a strategic location at the heart of Asia-Pacific, a young and skilled workforce, and abundant critical minerals such as nickel and copper that are vital to the global clean energy transition. She highlighted emerging opportunities in electronics, renewable energy, and digital services, emphasizing that the Philippines continues to move up the value chain through reforms that enable advanced manufacturing, EV component production, and smart technologies.

Ms. Dormiendo also shared that the country’s renewable energy roadmap targets 35% renewables in the power mix by 2030 and 50% by 2040, supported by investor-friendly policies such as 100% foreign ownership, streamlined permitting systems, and the Green Energy Auction program. She likewise noted that that the Philippines’ IT-BPM and creative sectors remain globally competitive, offering talent and innovation for digital transformation.

Recent policy reforms, such as Executive Order 18 for green lanes, the amended Investors’ Lease Act, and the CREATE More Act, further enhance the ease of doing business and strengthen Philippines’ position in ASEAN’s investment landscape. These measures, combined with the BOI’s proactive role in advancing regional integration, reaffirm the country’s commitment to building a dynamic, resilient, and inclusive investment environment.

The presentation reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to fostering a competitive and innovation-driven investment climate.

Board of Investments

PTIC-KL AND PCCI STRENGTHEN COOPERATION WITH TALENTCORP, MATRADE, AND MIDA

Kuala Lumpur, 10 October 2025 — The Philippine Trade and Investment Center–Kuala Lumpur (PTIC-KL), in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), spearheaded a series of high-level meetings with Malaysia’s Talent Corporation (TalentCorp), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to deepen cooperation in talent development, trade promotion, and investment facilitation between the Philippines and Malaysia.

The delegation was led by PCCI Deputy Head of Mission Ms. Rhoda Castro-Caliwara, accompanied by Commercial Counsellor Norjamin G. Delos Reyes of PTIC-KL, who facilitated the discussions and provided institutional linkages with Malaysia’s key agencies.

These engagements underscore PTIC-KL’s continuing commitment to supporting Philippine enterprises in broadening their regional reach and enhancing their competitiveness across ASEAN.

At TalentCorp, Mr. Nizam Ahmad and Ms. Suanie Tew led discussions focused on workforce development and the creation of cross-border talent pipelines, exploring potential areas for collaboration in skills enhancement and human capital mobility.

The meeting with MATRADE, attended by Senior Director Jai Shankar, Director Asnor Vidya Nor Azmi, and Deputy Director Chong Yun Jang, emphasized the importance of expanding two-way trade and market access for Philippine and Malaysian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

At MIDA, Mr. Wan Farulnizam provided an overview of Malaysia’s investment facilitation programs and discussed opportunities for strengthening business partnerships between the two countries.

The series of meetings underscored the strong collaboration between PTIC-KL and PCCI in representing the interests of Philippine businesses abroad. Together, they continue to create platforms for sustained engagement with Malaysian government and private sector partners to advance the Philippines’ trade and investment agenda in the region.

These engagements reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening cooperation with Malaysia and contributing to a more integrated and resilient ASEAN economy.

PTIC-KL AND ABOITIZ INFRACAPITAL SHOWCASE THE PHILIPPINES’ SMART AND SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AT THE SELANGOR ASEAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE 2025

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – [October 8, 2025] -The Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Kuala Lumpur (PTIC-KL), in partnership with Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, proudly participated in the 5th Selangor Investment and Industrial Park Expo (SPARK), held alongside the 9th Selangor ASEAN Business Conference & Expo 2025.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Maria Angela A. Ponce visited the Aboitiz InfraCapital booth during the exhibition, where she was welcomed by Commercial Counsellor Norjamin Delos Reyes and Mr. Nico de Leon, Assistant Vice President for Sales and Leasing. The Ambassador expressed her support for the company’s efforts to promote smart, sustainable, and investment-ready industrial estates, recognizing its role in strengthening the Philippines’ position as a key destination for regional investors.

In addition, Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) Director, International Investment Promotion Services Director Lanie Dormiendo met with the Aboitiz InfraCapital team and PTIC-KL to discuss the company’s initiatives in advancing sustainable industrial development. She commended Aboitiz InfraCapital for promoting Philippine–Malaysian collaboration in attracting high-value investments and underscored BOI’s continued support for projects that drive inclusive and innovation-led growth.

Representing Aboitiz InfraCapital at SPARK were Mr. Nico de Leon, Assistant Vice President for Sales and Leasing; Ms. Maiko Komori, International Client Relations Manager; Mr. Luis Antonio Aguilan, Manager for Sales and Leasing; and Mr. James Charles Rosales, Officer for Marketing and Branding.

Aboitiz InfraCapital, the infrastructure and industrial estate arm of the Aboitiz Group, develops and operates integrated economic estates, water and sanitation systems, and digital infrastructure. Its Economic Estates portfolio spans around 1,700 hectares across Luzon and Visayas, hosting over 250 locators and supporting about 100,000 jobs. These self-sufficient estates, such as LIMA, MEZ2, West Cebu, and TARI, feature on-site utilities and government interface services that promote ease of doing business.

The joint participation of PTIC-KL and Aboitiz InfraCapital in the 5th Selangor Investment and Industrial Park Expo (SPARK) underscores their shared commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ regional presence and showcasing its growing capacity for sustainable, innovation-driven infrastructure development.

This collaboration comes amid strong Malaysian investor confidence: from January to July 2025, Malaysia ranked 5th among sources of Net FDI to the Philippines, and in 2024, 6th in approved investments, reflecting deepening economic ties and investor trust in the country’s resilient economy.

PCCI DELEGATION STRENGTHENS PHILIPPINE-MALAYSIAN BUSINESS COOPERATION
KUALA LUMPUR - A delegation of 32 Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) representatives, led by President Ms. Enunina V. Mangio and Ms. Rhoda Castro-Caliwara, Co-Chair of the Philippine-Malaysia Business Council, PCCI, visited Malaysia to renew ties with the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM). The visit included the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), witnessed by Ambassador Maria Angela A. Ponce, reaffirming both organizations’ commitment to trade, investment, and private-sector collaboration.

In parallel, a separate MOU handover, also witnessed by Ambassador Ponce, took place between Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenBizPH), represented by Ms. Castro-Caliwara, and the Women Leadership Foundation (WLF) of Malaysia, supporting cross-border collaboration among women entrepreneurs in ASEAN.

Following the ceremonies, the delegation, supported by PTIC-KL and NCCIM, held a Business Networking and Roundtable Meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where Malaysian chambers and enterprises explored investment and partnership opportunities.

The program included an Opening Address by Ms. Mangio and a Keynote Address by Ambassador Ponce, who highlighted Malaysia as a key trading partner and noted the Philippine presence in Malaysia’s retail, creative, and food manufacturing sectors. Presentations by Mr. James Penaflorida Amparo, Mr. Rene G. Romero, and Ms. Castro-Caliwara focused on agribusiness, industrial development, and outsourcing opportunities.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Commercial Counsellor Ms. Delos Reyes, noting that the gathering could inspire new partnerships and strengthen confidence in investing and doing business in the Philippines.

The MOUs and networking session reaffirmed PCCI and NCCIM’s shared intent to promote trade, investment, and enterprise growth within ASEAN.