Philippine officials and Asian Consulting Group (ACG) host Private CEO Luncheon in Bangkok, strengthening Thai-Philippine investment ties
Official Presentation of Why Invest in the Philippines? CREATE MULTIPLE SCHEDULE
Philippine government officials and top business executives from Thailand it was called on March 2 in Bangkok to receive a special Private CEO Luncheon Briefing: Investing in the Philippines, organized by the Asian Consulting Group (ACG) in collaboration with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
The high-level lunch brought together Thai CEOs, institutional investors, and regional business leaders to explore important investment opportunities in the Philippines amid ongoing economic reforms and strengthening ASEAN integration.
Distinguished Speakers
The forum featured key Philippine officials and investment leaders:
- HE Millicent Cruz Paredes, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Thailand
- Teresa O. Panga, Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
- Maria Emmanuelle Burgos, Trade Advisor, Philippine Trade and Investment Institute (PTIC) – Bangkok
- Mon Abrea, Global Tax Policy Specialist and Senior Tax Consultant, Asian Consulting Group (ACG)
In his remarks, Ambassador Paredes emphasized the deep cultural and economic ties between Thailand and the Philippines, underscoring ASEAN unity as a basis for expanded bilateral investment.
Director-General Panga highlighted the Philippines’ 436 special economic zones, sector-specific incentives, and the government’s commitment to improving investor experience through digitization and simplified processes.
Strong Economic Fundamentals and the Momentum for Reform
During the forum, the speakers presented the Philippines’ forecast that 2026 will grow by 5.6% to 7%, placing the country among the economies of Southeast Asia.
The Philippines continues to maintain investment grade ratings since:
- Moody’s Investors Service
With 118 million consumers, a new workforce, a growing middle class, and the continued relaxation of foreign ownership restrictions, the Philippines has reinforced its message to Thai investors: open, flexible and fair.
Official Book Launch: Why Invest in the Philippines? CREATE MULTIPLE SCHEDULE
Highlights of the event were the official international launches of:
WHY INVEST IN THE PHILIPPINES? A Guide to Investing and Doing Business in the Philippines – CREATE MORE PLAN
Written by Mon Abrea
The guidebook provides a comprehensive overview of:
- Investment benefits and tax changes
- 2025–2028 Key Investment Plan
- Opportunities for emerging industries
- Ease of Business Transformation
The book has received strong endorsements from top Philippine government officials.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said:
“This guidebook not only shows our collective progress in making it easier to do business in the country but also sends a clear message to investors that the Philippines is open, ready and safe for investment.”
Senator Win Gatchalian added:
“Through our continuous innovation and shared commitment to sustainable development, the Philippines can serve as a reliable and strategic partner in your business success.”
Commerce Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, Executive Head of the Board of Investments, emphasized: “By highlighting the CREATE MORE Act, supported by the 2025-2028 Strategic Investment Policy Plan, the guide underscores the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable, inclusive, and transformative economic growth.”
Finance Secretary Frederick Go commented:
“It stands as a valuable guide to the Philippine tax system, current policies, emerging trends and investment opportunities.”
ASEAN Partnership, Not Competition
In his keynote speech, Mon Abrea did not portray the Philippines as a rival to Thailand, but as a complementary partner within ASEAN.
“We are not asking Thai investors to choose between Thailand and the Philippines,” Area said. “We invite them to extend their home.”
He emphasized that structural changes – including risk-based audits, digital VAT returns, ecozone automation, and compliance with Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) standards – show long-term reliability and predictability to international investors.
Looking Forward
The Bangkok lunch forum marks the launch of the 2026 Philippine Investment Mission to all major cities of the world with its theme: The Philippine Rises, The World Invests.
Through strengthened institutional collaboration between government agencies, bureaucratic bodies, and private sector leaders, the Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to providing services to Thai investors:
- ASEAN strategic connectivity
As ASEAN economies deepen integration, the dialogue in Bangkok shows a desire to share:
When Thailand grows, ASEAN grows.
When the Philippines grows, ASEAN grows.
For cooperation and collaboration, email [email protected].
About ACG
Asian Consulting Group (ACG) is a leading tax and investment advisory firm in the Philippines, providing strategic guidance to multinational corporations, foreign investors, and high-growth businesses. ACG actively supports tax reform, simplification of business processes, and global policy alignment to strengthen the investment climate of the Philippines.
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