GYEONGJU, South Korea — President Marcos declared that the Philippines is “open, ready, and eager to do business” as he urged Asia-Pacific CEOs to invest in the country’s rapidly transforming digital and innovation-driven economy.

Marcos said this as he delivered a special speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM) CEO Summit here, Friday afternoon, Oct. 31.

Speaking before business leaders, the President said the Philippines is now positioned to become a hub of inclusive growth and technological progress in the region.

“The Philippines is open, ready, and eager to do business with all of you,” he said.

“We bring a dynamic workforce, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable and inclusive prosperity,” he added.

He emphasized that his administration’s reform agenda—spanning investment incentives, ease of doing business, and workforce upskilling—was designed to make the country more competitive and globally connected.

“Our message is clear: The Philippines offers more than just a strategic location at the heart of the region. We are a reliable partner for growth,” he said.

President Marcos highlighted a series of new laws and executive measures aimed at boosting investor confidence and streamlining business processes.

He cited the updated Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, which simplifies approvals and accelerates infrastructure projects, and Executive Order (EO) No. 18, which creates “green lanes” for strategic investments.

Among the landmark measures, the President mentioned Republic Act (RA) No. 12252, which extends lease terms for foreign investors up to 99 years, and RA No. 12289, which ensures fair and efficient government land acquisition.

He also pointed to the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, which lowers corporate taxes and grants incentives of up to 40 years for strategic industries.

“These reforms are designed to transform the investment landscape and improve operational efficiency. They unlock private capital and sustain competitiveness in the long term,” Marcos said.

The President said the Philippines is aggressively investing in digital infrastructure to ensure that “no Filipino is left behind” in the digital economy.

He said the Digitalization of MSMEs Program has already trained over a million entrepreneurs in e-commerce, digital marketing, and productivity tools, while the Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace connects local sellers directly to consumers.

At the same time, Marcos said the government is enhancing cyber resilience and developing sound data governance frameworks to ensure trust and security in digital systems.

He added that artificial intelligence (AI) is central to the country’s economic strategy, with the National AI Strategy Roadmap guiding efforts to boost innovation and productivity.

“AI not only enhances public services and streamlines trade but also amplifies MSMEs’ ability to innovate and compete,” the President said.

Marcos also underscored his administration’s push for sustainable development through the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group on Sustainable Finance, or the so-called “Green Force.”

He said the group aims to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Finance Roadmap, develop green financing guidelines under the PPP Code, and establish a pipeline of climate-resilient projects.

“These initiatives channel investments toward environmentally sound development,” he said, adding that sustainability must be a shared goal among governments and businesses.

As the Philippines prepares to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, President Marcos invited the business community to support Manila’s goal of building a “connected, competitive, and sustainable” regional economy.

He said a key priority under the Philippine chairship will be the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a “game-changing step toward a seamless, $2-trillion regional digital market by 2030.”

“As we take on the ASEAN Chairship in 2026, we look forward to working with all of you in shaping a connected, resilient, and opportunity-driven Asia-Pacific,” Marcos said.

The APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju gathered top business leaders and policymakers from 21 APEC member economies to discuss strategies for regional growth, sustainability, and digital integration under the theme “Bridge. Business. Beyond.”