THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is exploring a partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to advance job creation and workforce resilience in the Philippines.
In a statement over the weekend, the DTI said the potential partnership is intended to “unlock new opportunities and empower the workforce to excel in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.”
Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque met with WEF Head of Work Wages and Job Creation Till Leopold on the sidelines of the WEF 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss the priorities of the Jobs Accelerator initiative.
“The meeting also reaffirmed the continuation of cooperation for the Jobs Accelerator Network Initiative between the WEF and the Philippine government, leveraging this partnership to drive growth in key sectors such as semiconductors and electronics, business process outsourcing, and critical minerals,” the DTI said.
“This collaboration holds the promise of a brighter future for the Philippines, where innovative solutions and strategic partnerships pave the way for a future-ready Philippine workforce,” it added.
The DTI, in separate statements, also said it has invited several firms to expand their presence in the Philippines.
Among these firms is company PayPal, with which Ms. Roque discussed possible collaboration in expanding digital financial inclusion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“The discussion also centered on advancements in financial inclusion, increased MSME transaction volumes, strategic directions in artificial intelligence and sustainability, and the creation of a division for small businesses,” the DTI said.
“They also addressed solutions for payment efficiency, currency conversion, and international market access, along with trade finance options and B2B marketplace collaborations,” it added.
Ms. Roque also explored investment opportunities in logistics and sustainability in a meeting with A.P. Moller-Maersk.
During the meeting, the parties discussed potential public-private partnerships in port development in the Visayas and Mindanao.
“With Maersk’s expansion of fulfillment centers and marine infrastructure, the Philippines stands ready to support their growth with world-class talent and strategic incentives,” Ms. Roque said.
She also discussed with tech firm Cognizant the company’s plan to expand operations in the Philippines, with AstraZeneca on expanding the company’s clinical trials in the Philippines, and with Shein on establishing manufacturing operations in the country.
In a separate statement, the DTI said that it has invited Malaysian companies, particularly in the electrical and electronics and semiconductor industries, to expand in the Philippines.
In an official visit earlier in the month, the DTI said that Trade Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo met with the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) to explore new opportunities between the Philippines and Malaysia.
Aside from MICCI officials, the meeting was attended by officials of RBC Water Sdn. Bhd. and Rohas-Euco Industries Bhd.
“Our visit to MICCI is a great opportunity to connect with Malaysian businesses and explore ways we can grow together. The Philippines offers a dynamic and competitive environment for investment, particularly in sectors like electronics, semiconductors, manufacturing, and construction,” Mr. Rodolfo said.
“We’re excited to invite Malaysian companies to see this potential firsthand through initiatives like the 2025 Investment Mission to the Philippines. Strengthening these partnerships goes beyond numbers; it’s about creating shared opportunities, fostering innovation, and building lasting connections that benefit both our economies,” he added.
According to the DTI, Rohas-Euco Industries is exploring opportunities in transmission tower projects in the Philippines. — Justine Irish D. Tabile