Philippines Highlights Investment Opportunities at Major Chinese Trade Fairs, Strengthening China-PH Business Ties

Manila, Philippines — The Philippines is making a strong push to position itself as a preferred investment destination through its recent participation in major trade fairs in China. At the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, and the China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, the country showcased its strengths in services, manufacturing, ecozones, and tourism—capitalizing on growing investor interest amid global shifts in supply chains.

At CIFTIS 2025, held from 10-14 September in Shougang Park, Beijing, the Philippine pavilion adopted the theme “Thrive Together: Where Paradise Fuels Progress.” Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz emphasized the country’s competitive advantages: a youthful and creative workforce, a strategic ASEAN location, strong natural resources, and a sizeable consumer market.

The pavilion featured high-potential sectors such as digital services, health and wellness, creative industries, education, tourism and professional services. It also provided immersive experiences such as virtual showcases of Philippine landscapes, agricultural products, and local culture intended to engage Chinese investors, entrepreneurs and tourists.

Simultaneously at CIFIT in Xiamen from 8-11 September, the Philippines presented opportunities in manufacturing, industrial hubs, and its ecozones. Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) officials highlighted incentives and infrastructure designed to make the country friendlier to foreign, particularly Chinese, investment.

PEZA has been especially active. Its recent missions to Chinese cities such as Xiamen, Chongqing, Shenzhen, and Dongguan included presentations to more than 200 investor firms, attracting interest in electronics, electric vehicle components, agri-processing, renewable energy, and export-oriented manufacturing.

Among realized commitments, the body secured over PHP 4.6 billion in investment pledges from Chinese firms during its CIFIT mission in 2024. Key pledges include expansion plans from existing registered businesses, investments in new infrastructure, and projects planned in ecozones across Cavite, Davao del Norte, and other locations.

Under the so-called “China+1+1” strategy, which refers to companies seeking alternatives to purely China-based operations due to tariff pressures and supply-chain disruptions, the Philippines is emerging as a compelling “plus one.” Investors are reportedly considering relocating or expanding operations into PEZA-registered zones, motivated by favorable incentives, geographic benefits, and increasing policy certainty.

Officials note, however, that to sustain this momentum, the Philippines will need to continue improving infrastructure, regulative efficiency, and ease of doing business, particularly for external investors. Concerns around logistics, customs procedures, and energy costs remain part of investor dialogues.

Still, the response so far has been positive. Chinese companies, trade buyers, and business associations have expressed growing confidence in the Philippines’ investment narrative. Tourism attachés and trade counsellors report that match-making sessions during these fairs have generated concrete leads in sectors ranging from food exports to telecommunications infrastructure.

As the Philippines consolidates its pitch to China’s private sector and state-led firms, the twin fairs are not merely showcases. They represent strategic investments in building deeper economic interdependence and resilience in Asia’s interconnected supply chains. Observers say that if conversions from pledges to implemented projects proceed smoothly, the benefits may include job creation, export growth, and stronger positioning in industry clusters aligned with green technologies, digital services, and tourism recovery.

In summary, the Philippines is leveraging China’s major trade fairs to send a clear message: it is open for business, ready to partner, and capable of delivering in high-growth sectors—with the hope that these efforts translate into sustained foreign direct investment and inclusive economic development.