The Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments (DTI-BOI) reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strategic international partnerships, hosting a high-level delegation from the German Association for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (BVMW), Germany’s largest cross-sectoral organisztion for SMEs, often referred to as the Mittelstand.
Led by BOI International Investments Promotion Service (IIPS) director Lanie Dormiendo, the engagement included a briefing on the Philippines’ resilient investment climate and efforts to ease doing business. The BOI highlighted key growth sectors aligning with its investment strategy for the Philippines and Germany’s innovation-driven industries.
The BOI asked BVMW to actively promote the Philippines to its member companies as an attractive investment destination, particularly in high-value sectors such as semiconductors and electronics, renewable energy and its full value chain and infrastructure development.
These areas align with the Philippines’ commitment to green industrial transformation and energy transition, as well as the rising demand for resilient and inclusive supply chains.
The BOI also highlighted the Philippines Transnational Higher Education Program, a government initiative designed to attract global education providers through improved regulations and viable partnership mechanisms. The program encourages international academic collaborations and investments that support future-ready human capital development.
The 12-member BVMW delegation visited Manila and Cebu from July 14 to 18, meeting with key officials, business chambers and private sector players to deepen their understanding of the Philippine market. The visit aims to build long-term trade and investment linkages and explore collaborative ventures across industries.
With more than 900,000 members across 30 industry associations and over 80 international offices, including one in Cebu City, BVMW plays a vital role in supporting the global expansion of German SMEs. The Mittelstand accounts for over 99 percent of German companies, serving as the backbone of the country’s economy and a global benchmark for innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.
This visit underscores growing momentum in Philippines-Germany economic relations, built on shared values of innovation, openness and inclusive growth. As both countries work towards stronger bilateral trade and investment flows, the BOI remains committed to creating a seamless, transparent and investor-friendly environment for strategic global partners.
