THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said an investment slowdown has forced it to shift its focus to established businesses, with which it is exploring possible growth pathways.
“We acknowledge that we have a bit of a local problem now here. So, investments are, of course, coming in, but not as much as we expected them to be,” Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said on Wednesday at the Federation of Philippine Industries Business Summit 2025.
“What DTI will be doing is to strengthen the industries that are here … I’ve already set up meetings with some of the industry players to discuss how to grow and strengthen their businesses here in the Philippines,” she added.
She said that because of “recent developments,” investors are in wait-and-see mode. Asked whether investors have turned cautious because of the public works corruption scandal, she said, “I am not sure … because they don’t say it specifically.”
“But for those that already have investments here, pumapasok pa rin sila kasi alam na nila kung anong meron (they are keeping at it because they know the score),” she said.
She said that the government’s role now is to ensure that it helps established businesses resolve any issues they face.
However, she said that the Board of Investments will be sticking with its P1.75-trillion target for the year, because it is crucial to keep the tone positive. “We don’t want to discourage the Filipino people,” she added.
She also said the domestic market remains the main driver for investment.
“Some of the tycoons don’t even export … they just rely on the local market. This is what makes us attractive,” she added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile