PH Seeks More Dutch Investments in High-Level Dialogue

The Philippines convened a high-level business dialogue with Dutch investors in the Netherlands on January 27, 2025, highlighting the country’s economic growth, pro-investment reforms, and expanding business opportunities to attract more foreign direct investments (FDIs).

The event, organized by the Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), was hosted by European banking giant ING and attended by over 30 business and financial sector leaders from the Netherlands.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto was represented by DOF Undersecretaries Maria Luwalhati Dorotan-Tiuseco and Domini S.D. Velasquez, while DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque was represented by Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo. Monetary Board Member Rosalia V. de Leon spoke on behalf of the BSP.

Dutch Firms See Growing Investment in PH

ING CEO Steven van Rijswijk expressed optimism about the Philippines’ economic trajectory despite global uncertainties.

“We are very proud to host today’s event talking about a country that’s growing so swiftly with so many attractive opportunities,” van Rijswijk said.

“And we see that because many companies are investing from all over the world there, just as ourselves. Currently, from a Dutch point of view, there are over 100 Dutch companies that have invested in the Philippines together, comprising over USD 5 billion in export revenues and employing about 350,000 Filipinos. And growing. So that’s very good and that also has inspired us in the past to go to the Philippines. We’ve been to the Philippines for 35 years.”

At the dialogue, DOF Undersecretary Velasquez showcased the Philippines’ strong economic fundamentals, including a large and dynamic consumer market, a tech-savvy and highly skilled workforce, and massive infrastructure development fueling economic expansion.

She also emphasized the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, which further liberalizes investment rules to ensure the long-term success of businesses.

DTI Undersecretary Rodolfo presented the Philippines’ priority investment sectors, which include electric vehicles, smart manufacturing, semiconductors and electronics, green metals, food and agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and data centers or telecommunications infrastructure.

Addressing Investor Concerns

Following the presentations, an open forum allowed Dutch investors to discuss concerns and gain deeper insights into doing business in the Philippines.

Monetary Board Member de Leon highlighted the BSP’s efforts to modernize the financial system, including the expansion of digital payment systems, strengthening capital markets, and exploring a central bank digital currency.

She also reaffirmed government efforts to remove the Philippines from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, boosting investor confidence in the country’s financial stability.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Dorotan Tiuseco discussed the proposed rationalization of the mining fiscal regime, aiming to simplify the tax system, ensure fair revenue sharing between the government and mining firms, and enhance governance in the mining industry.

For the past five years, the Netherlands has been the Philippines’ second-largest trading partner and export market in Europe.

The country also ranks among the top sources of FDIs in the Philippines, with over 130 Dutch companies operating locally, including ING Bank, TNT Express Worldwide Philippines, Heineken International, Royal Philips, and East West Seed.