DTI Eyes USD76B Investment to Boost Economy

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is driving a strong investment pipeline to position the Philippines as a top global investment destination in 2025.

Leading this effort is the DTI’s Foreign Trade Service Corps (DTI-FTSC), which has engaged with investors on 247 investment leads and projects valued at more than USD76 billion (PHP4 trillion) as of January 2025. This initiative is a key part of the DTI’s global investment and trade promotion strategy.

Notably, 51 projects are in advanced stages. Of these, 28 companies have either registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or are working closely with investment promotion agencies to finalize their entry, while 23 have already begun commercial operations.

These investments span major industries, including manufacturing, information technology and business process management, renewable energy, data centers, retail, agriculture, and telecommunications.

This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s economic agenda, which prioritizes high-value foreign investments and strengthens the country’s role in global trade.

The DTI-FTSC plays a key role in converting investment leads from high-level trade and economic missions into job-creating projects. It also facilitates business entry and ensures investment commitments translate into economic benefits.

Beyond investment facilitation, the DTI-FTSC continues to expand global trade opportunities for Philippine businesses. In 2024, its network of Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTICs) assisted more than 1,900 exporters, helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) access new markets and secure international buyers.

The agency also engaged 2,600 potential foreign investors, providing market intelligence, business-matching services, and direct facilitation support to drive high-value investments into the country.

Additionally, the DTI-FTSC plays a key role in advancing the Philippines’ trade policy interests on the global stage. The agency actively participates in bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade negotiations on issues such as e-commerce, investment facilitation, and supply chain resilience.

By engaging in regional integration efforts, the DTI-FTSC strengthens industry supply chains and explores new economic cooperation opportunities worldwide.

Expanding its global presence, the DTI-FTSC recently opened new offices in Toronto, Madrid, and Riyadh, bringing the total to 29 PTICs across 21 countries.

As the first quarter of 2025 nears completion, the DTI-FTSC remains focused on generating high-value investment leads, expanding market access for Philippine exporters, and strengthening trade partnerships.

In the coming months, the agency will continue attracting global businesses, forging strategic partnerships, and leveraging emerging opportunities to solidify the Philippines’ standing in the global economy.

“The success of ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ is a shared mission. This is our commitment to the world—we are open for business, ready to welcome high-value investments, and drive innovation. Together, we are creating opportunities that uplift our people and propel the Philippine economy toward sustained growth,” Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said at the DTI-FTSC 2025 Planning Conference.