Asean shoots for quality investments
MANILA, Philippines — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is targeting to attract higher quality investments to promote job creation, after the region received its highest level of foreign direct investments (FDIs) last year.
In a press briefing, Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said that attracting higher quality investments and ensuring ASEAN remains competitive and future ready in the green and digital transitions were discussed by economic ministers during the recently concluded ASEAN Investment Area Council meeting.
“The meeting also highlighted the need to move beyond simply increasing investment volumes toward attracting investments that generate innovation, quality jobs, strengthen industrial capabilities and contribute to sustainable development,” he said.
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and global uncertainty, he said that ASEAN remains an attractive destination for investments.
In particular, ASEAN attracted $243.9 billion in FDI last year, the highest level in the region’s history.
This was also the fifth straight year that the region received more than $200 billion in annual FDI.
“The message from ASEAN today is clear: ASEAN remains open for business, committed to regional cooperation and determined to compete successfully in the industries of the future,” he said.
In the Philippines, projects approved are expected to create more than 153,000 jobs.
Meanwhile, projects approved in the first six months of 2026 are expected to add nearly 54,000 jobs.
Under the green lane initiative, which fast-tracks the country’s biggest strategic investments through streamlined permit approvals, the government has certified 239 projects worth P6.32 trillion since it started.
Once operational, these certified projects under the green lane program are expected to employ around 421,000 people.
abtestabtest Serious allegations By Mary Ann LL. Reyes | 1 day ago The Ombudsman’s P10.44-billion plunder and graft investigation against Sen. Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, involving underdelivered solar energy projects is underway. Business The three stages nobody warned you about By Francis J. Kong | 1 day ago The moment I received one of those long, italicized “share as received” forwarded messages from Kat, my friend of many years, it actually stopped me in my tracks instead of getting scrolled past. Business Erring bank officials to face stiff penalty By Keisha Ta-Asan | 1 day ago Bank officials and employees found liable for serious violations could face suspension of up to one year for a first offense... Business Security Bank sees new role for branches By Keisha Ta-Asan | 1 day ago When Victor Lee took over as president and chief executive officer of Security Bank Corp. in January, one thing about Philippine... Business IT-BPM industry confident of hitting $42 billion revenue target By Louella Desiderio | 1 day ago The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines expects to attain its $42-billion revenue... Business Latest More in Business First Gen: No plan to sell EDC Young inventors on the rise in Philippines Robinsons Retail opening more stores in ‘ber’ months Bargain hunting, cautious trading in play abtest DA seeks higher tariffs on pork By Adrian Kenneth Halili | 10 minutes ago The Department of Agriculture (DA) is proposing to implement higher tariffs on imported pork, as farmgate prices for live... Business ‘Defunding busway to disrupt 183,000 commuters, PITX traffic’ By Elijah Felice Rosales | 10 minutes ago Nearly 183,000 commuters in Metro Manila could lose their main mode of transport if legislators fail to allocate P1.76 billion... Business AirAsia lands new investor By Elijah Felice Rosales | 10 minutes ago The Philippine unit of AirAsia has secured a new investor to boost its resources ahead of plans to expand both fleet and network,... Business Will robots take over? By Wilson Sy | 10 minutes ago “The robots will not be taking over. Business Recommended Next witness to testify on Sara business interests, government deals 1 day ago The House prosecution panel is preparing witnesses to testify on Vice President Sara Duterte’s declared business interests,... BusinessBENJAMIN TOLOSA JR. More time needed to resolve impeach vote threshold 1 day ago The impeachment court trying Vice President Sara Duterte may defer resolving the voting threshold question to give senators... BusinessIMPEACHMENTSARA DUTERTE Senators should consider commuting to work – Sherwin 2 days ago Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian urged his fellow lawmakers yesterday to try commuting to work, inspired by a Department... BusinessSENATESENATOR President Marcos has no plans to resign – Palace 2 days ago President Marcos has no plans of stepping down, Malacañang said yesterday, after the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte... BusinessMALACAñANGRESIGNS House prosecutors defend statements on impeachment September 19, 2026 - 12:00am Members of the House prosecution panel have maintained that their statements on the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte were not about the merits of the case, but merely on procedure and summary...r BusinessIMPEACHMENT next Recommended Next witness to testify on Sara business interests, government deals The House prosecution panel is preparing witnesses to testify on Vice President Sara Duterte’s declared business interests, possible government contracts and registered firearms for this week’s impeachment hearings. 1 day ago BENJAMIN TOLOSA JR. More time needed to resolve impeach vote threshold The impeachment court trying Vice President Sara Duterte may defer resolving the voting threshold question to give senators more time to study the issue, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said yesterday. 1 day ago IMPEACHMENT SARA DUTERTE Senators should consider commuting to work – Sherwin Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian urged his fellow lawmakers yesterday to try commuting to work, inspired by a Department of Transportation policy requiring key DOTr officials to experience the daily troubles of the riding public firsthand. 2 days ago SENATE SENATOR President Marcos has no plans to resign – Palace President Marcos has no plans of stepping down, Malacañang said yesterday, after the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte said she is ready to replace him in case he resigns. 2 days ago MALACAñANG RESIGNS House prosecutors defend statements on impeachment Members of the House prosecution panel have maintained that their statements on the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte were not about the merits of the case, but merely on procedure and summary of the proceedings. 2 days ago IMPEACHMENT OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!
