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FDI in Figures | Why You Should Choose to Invest in the Philippines | Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment | Investment Opportunities

FDI in Figures

Foreign direct investment (FDI) had clearly decreased since 2008 due to the unfavorable international economic environment; however, it has started to rebound again in 2010. Considering the comparative advantages of the Philippines, such as:  English speaking and well-skilled manpower, a strong cultural proximity to the United States, its geographical location in a dynamic area, the FDI flow in the Philippines is rather weak.  This can be partially explained by the fact that the country is evolving into a service society, with a low capital strength, which means a need of  minimal equipment.  In addition, the government favors subcontracting agreements between foreign companies and local enterprises rather than FDI in the strict sense of the term.  Lastly, corruption, instability, inadequate infrastructures and not enough juridical security discourages investment.

 

Country Comparison For the Protection of Investors

  Philippines East Asia & Pacific United States Germany
Index of Transaction Transparency* 2.0 5.2 7.0 5.0
Index of Manager’s Responsibility** 2.0 4.5 9.0 5.0
Index of Shareholders’ Power*** 8.0 6.3 9.0 5.0
Index of Investor Protection**** 4.0 5.3 8.3 5.0

Source: Doing Business - Last Available Data.

Note: *The Greater the Index, the More Transparent the Conditions of Transactions. **The Greater the Index, the More the Manager is Personally Responsible. *** The Greater the Index, the Easier it Will Be For Shareholders to Take Legal Action. **** The Greater the Index, the Higher the Level of Investor Protection.
 
Foreign Direct Investment 200820092010
FDI Inward Flow (million USD) 1,5441,9631,713
FDI Stock (million USD) 21,61123,18024,893
Performance Index*, Ranking on 141 Economies 122110-
Potential Index**, Ranking on 141 Economies 80--
Number of Greenfield Investments*** 140120-
FDI Inwards (in % of GFCF****) 6.311.6-
FDI Stock (in % of GDP) 12.914.6-

Source: UNCTAD - Last Available Data.

Note: * The UNCTAD Inward FDI Performance Index is Based on a Ratio of the Country's Share in Global FDI Inflows and its Share in Global GDP. ** The UNCTAD Inward FDI Potential Index is Based on 12 Economic and Structural Variables Such as GDP, Foreign Trade, FDI, Infrastructures, Energy Use, R&D, Education, Country Risk. *** Green Field Investments Are a Form of Foreign Direct Investment Where a Parent Company Starts a New Venture in a Foreign Country By Constructing New Operational Facilities From the Ground Up. **** Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) Measures the Value of Additions to Fixed Assets Purchased By Business, Government and Households Less Disposals of Fixed Assets Sold Off or Scrapped.

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Why You Should Choose to Invest in the Philippines

Strong Points
The country's main strong points are:
- A skilled English-speaking workforce;
- A large domestic market;
- Its membership to ASEAN;
- A favorable investment policy;
- A very advanced legal system;
- A strategic location at the Asian gateway; and
- Considerable natural wealth.
Weak Points
The country's weak points lie in its political instability, the bad quality of its infrastructures, judicial precariousness and lack of transparency.
Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI
Laws liberalizing business practices have opened up more fields to foreign investments and have provided foreign investors with the same incentives as ASEAN members, as well as simplified procedures.
Bilateral Investment Conventions Signed By the Philippines
The Philippines have signed bilateral investment agreements with many countries, listed here.

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Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment
Not guaranteed.
Acquisition of Holdings
A majority holding interest in the capital of a local company is legal in the Philippines.
Obligation to Declare
The agency for the promotion of foreign investment in the country provides information about the authorizations required for setting up business.
Competent Organization For the Declaration
Philippine Board of Investment
Requests For Specific Authorizations
The sectors open to foreign investment after an authorization has been obtained are listed in Annexe B of the Foreign Investment Act.
 
Learn more about Foreign Investment in the Philippines on Globaltrade.net, the Directory for International Trade Services.
 

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Investment Opportunities

Investment Aid Agency
Board of Investment
Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement
Tenders Info, Tenders in the Philippines
 Asian Development Bank, Procurement Plans in Asia
 DgMarket, Tenders Worldwide
Other Useful Resources
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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Learn more about Investing in the Philippines on Globaltrade.net, the Directory for International Trade Services.
 

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Last Updates: January 2012