The key part that rising competitiveness in the Philippines and the country’s improved business climate are playing in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) will be explored in a forthcoming report to be produced by the global publishing firm, Oxford Business Group (OBG).
The Report: The Philippines 2015 will shine the spotlight on the economic sectors that look likely to gain from higher investment inflows, such as manufacturing and information technology. The publication will also provide updates on the country’s major infrastructure projects which are heightening economic activity, especially across the construction industry.
BDO Unibank, Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the second year on research with OBG for its forthcoming report. Under the MOU, OBG will have access to the bank’s resources, which will be used to compile the Capital Markets Chapter of The Report: The Philippines 2015.
Regional Editor, Paulius Kuncinas, said the Group had noted in its recent research that the Philippines was gaining ground on its neighbors when it came to attracting FDI.
“Investors have, in particular, noticed the increasing capabilities of the country’s workforce, while the Philippines’ political and economic stability remains a plus,” he said. “We expect public-private partnership projects to drive foreign investment in the coming years as the country moves to roll out its public works and address the Philippines’ housing shortage.”
Eduardo Francisco, President of BDO Capital Corporation & Investment at BDO Unibank, Inc. added that topical issues related to the ASEAN Economic Community, such as the integration of the financial markets, would be looked at in detail with OBG.
“Our first year of partnership with Oxford Business Group highlighted the added dimension that ASEAN integration will bring to the markets,” he said. “I look forward to exploring this further, as full integration draws nearer, and providing investors with key data they can use in their decision-making, including analysis of new products and services from the Philippine Stock Exchange.”
With the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Regional Summit set to take place in Manila next year, OBG’s Editorial Manager, Rodrigo Diaz, said the Philippines could expect to garner a higher profile as an international investment destination over the coming months.
“Full ASEAN integration and the APEC summit should both boost the Philippines’ competitiveness, helping the country to build on its strong macroeconomic fundamentals and steady GDP growth,” he said. “I am delighted that our team will benefit once again from BDO Unibank, Inc’s expertise as we plot the next phase of the country’s economic development.”
The Report: The Philippines 2015 will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments. It will contain interviews with leading national and international representatives, including Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida and the US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. The publication will be available in print or online.