The Board of Investments (BOI) has partnered with South Korean lender Shinhan Bank to attract more foreign investors to the Philippines.
The move comes as Manila anticipates the ratification of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South Korea, which is expected to boost economic ties between the two nations.
In a statement, Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo said the partnership with Shinhan Bank is a key step in maximizing the potential benefits of the FTA.
“We are very excited about the collaboration between the BOI and Shinhan Bank to attract investments from South Korea,” Rodolfo said. “What’s most important is working together to fully realize those advantages.”
The BOI and Shinhan Bank signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Aug. 29 to formalize their cooperation on investment promotion.
Under the terms of the MOU, the two entities will collaborate on initiatives such as investor matchmaking, information sharing, and joint marketing efforts.
Jang, meanwhile, expressed Shinhan Bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the BOI.
“Nowadays, Korean companies are actively seeking opportunities to advance into the Southeast Asian markets, and among those, the Philippines is one of the most attractive destinations,” Jang said.
The MOU aims to provide tailored financial solutions and local market insights to Korean companies, facilitating their expansion into the Philippine market.
Since the signing of the Philippines-South Korea FTA last year, exchanges between the two countries have become more dynamic. Korean companies have shown growing interest in investing in the Philippines, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, critical minerals processing, electric vehicles, and high-technology agriculture.
The BOI has been actively promoting the Philippines to South Korean investors, highlighting the country's potential as a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing and services.
Shinhan Bank, a Shinhan Financial Group Co. Ltd. subsidiary, offers a wide range of retail and commercial banking services. The Shinhan Bank Manila Branch established its presence in the Philippines in 2015.