The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it remains committed to its P1.75-trillion investment approvals target this year despite external challenges, including the increase in US tariffs on Philippine exports, its top official said Monday.
DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the government is adopting a “whole-of-government” approach to support exporters and maintain investor confidence.
“Yes, we’ll stick to that,” Roque said in a pre-event briefing for the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo 2025, organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
Roque said the Marcos administration is already preparing for the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in 2026. “We’ll show our best,” she said.
Commenting on the US tariff hike to 19 percent, Roque said there would be an “impact” on trade, but noted that the US also imposed higher tariffs on other countries. She said Philippine exporters are already diversifying into new markets.
“Exporters are finding other markets like Europe, South America and the Middle East,” she said, adding that a free trade agreement with the European Union would be a “game changer.”
The Philippines is also awaiting the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with partners in the Middle East.
Roque said investment missions would proceed as planned, with upcoming trips to Cambodia, Osaka, New York and a potential trip to France.
She said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed government agencies to aggressively pursue export opportunities and foreign investments.
