Philippines Showcased Economic and Investment Opportunities at 2025 “Davos Week”
(Left to Right), Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez moderated the Breakfast Roundtable discussion with international CEOs and Filipino CEOs at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos-Klosters.
GENEVA 30 January 2025 – The Philippines participated in the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, reaffirming its commitment to global economic cooperation and sustainable development. A delegation co-led by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto represented the country in the prestigious international gathering of business leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the world at the alpine town in Switzerland. The delegation also included Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque and leading Filipino and Philippine-based CEOs.
The Philippine delegation highlighted the country's robust economic performance, policy reforms, and investment opportunities, positioning the nation as a key player in the evolving global economic landscape. Under the theme 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age', the Forum provided a strategic platform to engage with international stakeholders, strengthen economic ties, and promote the Philippines as a competitive destination for trade and investment.
“We were able to showcase the Philippines’ economic resilience, strong fundamentals, and commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Ambassador Manuel Teehankee, Philippine Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO), adding WEF is an excellent opportunity to engage with global leaders, attract investors, and advance partnerships that “will drive our nation’s progress.” Amb. Teehankee and his team organized a breakfast conversation with global and Philippine CEOs on 22 January 2025, with a broad range of topics discussed including: digital finance, infrastructure development, climate resilience, green energy, and ASEAN regional economic integration. The country highlighted its strategic initiatives in emerging industries, such as renewable energy, technology, and sustainable finance.
Speaker Romualdez, in one panel that tackled Asia’s role in an uncertain time, said as Asia continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the global landscape, the Philippines remains steadfast in fostering meaningful discussions on sustainable growth, innovation, and inclusive development. “The future of our region holds immense potential, and we are eager to contribute our voice to this vital global conversation.” Through its participation in the 2025 WEF, which was attended by over 3,000 participants, the Philippines strengthened its position as an economic leader in Southeast Asia and reinforced its dedication to fostering innovation, economic inclusivity, and long-term prosperity. He noted that “the Philippines will assume the role of ASEAN Chair next year and I hope to welcome all of you to my country. Manila was once the fulcrum of global commerce through the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade and in 2026, we hope to continue to be a “bridge” in Building Resilient, Inclusive, Digital, Green Economies for all our partners.”
Ride-hailing company Grab commended the government’s efforts in showcasing the nation’s economic progress and its commitment to fostering inclusive growth. It shared the optimistic outlook presented at WEF Davos 2025, as highlighted by the 2024 McKinsey & Company report, stating that the Philippines emerged as Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economy in 2023. “This achievement underscores the resilience and potential of the nation under the Marcos administration’s leadership. The passage of transformative policies, such as the CREATE MORE Act, signals a forward-thinking approach to economic reform, further strengthening investor confidence. We remain committed to deepening our presence and investments in this dynamic and thriving market,” Grab said in a statement.
Mobile payment service provider GCash said WEF Annual Meeting 2025 was an inspiring and transformative experience, fostering new ideas, collaborations, and deeper insights into global issues. Representing the Philippines' fintech industry, GCash showcased how digital financial services have advanced financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Gcash President and CEO Martha Sazon emphasized the company’s use of AI and emerging technologies to enhance accessibility and efficiency, ensuring no Filipino is left behind. GCash assured the Philippine government it is committed to creating lasting, positive impact for all Filipinos, regardless of background or location. “It was an honor to represent the Philippines’ fintech industry and share on the global stage how digital financial services have pushed financial inclusion and revolutionized economic empowerment in our country. We highlighted that GCash has been leveraging innovations and emerging technologies like AI to further enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and customer-centricity of our services, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in our pursuit of financial inclusion,” said Ms. Sazon in a statement.
Ambassador Teehankee also represented DTI Secretary Roque at the Informal WTO Mini-Ministerial Gathering on 25 January in Davos where global trade challenges and WTO’s role were discussed. During an interactive session with the private sector, Ambassador Teehankee noted that MSMEs account for 60% of global employment. He noted “we hear loud and clear the comments of the private sector that remain relevant, the WTO must be relevant to MSMEs.” END
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, and Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque together with international CEOs and Filipino CEOs at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos-Klosters.
House Speaker Romualdez with Professor and Mrs. Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the WEF.
Welcome Lunch and Briefing for the Philippine Delegation led by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, and Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto delivers his keynote speech on the Philippine economy during the Breakfast Interaction held on 22 January 2025.
House Speaker Romualdez serves as one of the panelists of the session on Navigating Asia’s Hotspots organized by the WEF.
Ambassador Manuel Teehankee joins Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Research and Education, and WTO Ministers and representatives at the Informal WTO Mini-Ministerial Gathering. (Photo credits: Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Research and Education of Switzerland)
(Left to Right) Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Research and Education, Ambassador and Incoming WTO General Council Chair Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel, and Ambassador and Permanent Representative to WTO Manuel A.J. Teehankee. (Photo grabbed from the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Research and Education of Switzerland)
For more information, visit https://wtopm.dfa.gov.ph/.