The Philippines is off to a great start at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) as it secured a major investment from Salesforce, a customer relationship management (CRM) firm based in the United States.
In a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said this follows a successful meeting between Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and Salesforce executives led by Executive Vice President (EVP) in Government Affairs Eric Loeb at the sidelines of the ongoing forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The DTI expects Salesforce’s entry into the Philippines to create job opportunities and boost the country’s digital transformation efforts.
The company is set to launch its operations in the country this year, marking its eighth location in the Asia-Pacific region.
As indicated in its website, Salesforce has offices in Australia, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand.
The DTI noted that entering the Philippine market only strengthens the firm’s position as a key player in the region.
Based on the meeting with Roque, Salesforce plans to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and upskill Filipinos through partnerships with leading universities and organizations.
The company said its decision to invest in the Philippines was influenced by the positive feedback from its clients about the country’s business environment, as well as the government's commitment to digital transformation.
The trade secretary, for her part, welcomed Salesforce’s commitment to invest in the Philippines.
Roque said this is a testament to the country’s investor-friendly policies, strong economic momentum, and talented workforce.
“This significant investment reinforces the Philippines' growing attractiveness as a destination for global technology companies,” she added.
Roque shared that she has also invited Salesforce to establish a shared services facility in the country.
She is likewise optimistic that the newly forged collaboration would lead to upskilling initiatives related to artificial intelligence (AI).
In an earlier statement, Roque said her role at the WEF is to showcase the Philippines as a “dynamic and resilient economy, driven by innovation and inclusivity”.
The DTI chief’s itinerary at the global forum will include bilateral meetings with prominent multinational companies, leaders, and government counterparts.