Delegates at the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) 2025
The Philippines’ participation in the World Expo 2025 Osaka went beyond cultural showcase, serving as a springboard for concrete business engagement. As part of the Philippine Organizing Committee’s (POC) broader strategy for Expo 2025—chaired by the Department of Tourism (DOT) with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines as Secretariat—a high-level Trade and Tourism Mission was successfully held in Osaka on 11–12 September 2025.
The Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in Osaka, a highlight of the two-day mission, generated ₱61 billion in investment pledges from Japanese companies, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque. Led by the administration’s economic team, the PEB highlighted the country’s strong growth trajectory and recent reforms, sending a clear signal that the Philippines is ready to compete and grow with Japan. Investment pledges covered priority sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure, reflecting the breadth of opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
(Left to Right) DEPDev Sec. Arsenio M. Balisacan, DOF Sec. Ralph G. Recto,DTI Sec. Ma. Cristina A. Roque
Building on Expo Momentum
Since opening in April, the Philippines Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has drawn global acclaim and welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors. With the Pavilion themed “Woven: Nature, Culture, Community”, the Expo has elevated the Philippines’ identity and investment potential. The Trade and Tourism Mission built on this momentum, turning international visibility into meaningful economic partnerships.
Representing Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, DOT Undersecretary Shalimar Tamano said: “What truly differentiates us is our people and our identity. Through the Love the Philippines campaign, we offer the world not just destinations, but experiences. World-class dive sites, golf destinations, wellness sanctuaries, rich gastronomy, and field tourism–all woven together by the warmth and creativity of the Filipino spirit.”
“This is why global investors are paying attention. The Philippines is not just a destination – country visit. It is it is a partnership waiting to happen. Every investment in tourism is an investment in communities, in sustainable development, and in the prosperity of millions of Filipinos,” he added.
“Expo 2025 has given the Philippines an extraordinary platform to share our culture and creativity with the world. This Mission built on that success by demonstrating that our global presence is matched by strong fundamentals, sound economic policy, and a clear invitation to invest, partner, and grow with us,” said Christina Garcia-Frasco, Tourism Secretary and Commissioner-General of the POC.
Strengthening Partnerships, Unlocking Opportunities
The two-day program featured roundtable discussions with the Kansai Economic Federation (Kankeiren) and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along
with a high-level Philippines–Japan Infrastructure Forum. Bilateral and investor meetings were likewise conducted, deepening dialogue on cooperation across energy, finance, sustainability, and tourism.
The PEB is a multi-agency initiative led by the Department of Finance (DOF), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Economy, Planning, and Development
(DEPDev), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DOT, and TPB, in coordination with the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTIC) in Osaka and Tokyo. Presentations were delivered by DOF Secretary Ralph G. Recto, DepDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, and DOE Secretary Sharon S. Garin.
At the PEB, officials highlighted the Philippines’ strong growth trajectory and recent reforms such as the CREATE MORE Law (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy). Signed in 2024, CREATE MORE builds on the earlier CREATE Law by rationalizing incentives, streamlining approvals, and reducing corporate income tax rates, making the Philippines more competitive for both local and foreign investors.
Tourism at the Core of Economic Growth
As part of the PEB, the DOT and TPB hosted an Executive Luncheon at the Swissotel Nankai Osaka on 12 September. The program featured an AV presentation on the
Philippines’ Expo 2025 participation, live music from internationally acclaimed Filipino talents: show violinist Jake Juleous Brian Gacang and singer Princess Virtudazo that showcased, and a showcase of the country’s tourism offerings.
“The synergy between trade, investment, and tourism is clear,” TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles said. “Tourism does more than promote our destinations—it drives inclusive growth, uplifts communities, and signals to partners that the Philippines is ready to welcome both visitors and investors.”
Looking Ahead
(Left to Right) Chief ASEAN Economist Euben Paracuelles, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, DOE Sec. Sharon S. Garin, DPWH Senior USec. Emil K. Sadain
With Japan consistently ranking among the Philippines’ top trade and tourism partners, the Mission underscored a shared commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Japan’s MICE and tourism markets alone represent billions in potential, with the MICE sector projected to reach 12.7 trillion yen by 2030.
By aligning cultural diplomacy at Expo 2025 with high-level economic engagement, the Philippines has shown in Osaka that it is not only a country of rich heritage but also one ready for a stronger, more competitive, and sustainable future.
ABOUT TPB
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines aims to market and promote the Philippines domestically and internationally as a world-class tourism and MICE destination. As an attached agency of the Philippine Department of Tourism, TPB develops strategic partnerships with private and public stakeholders to deliver unique high-value experiences for visitors, significantly contributing to increased arrivals, receipts, and investments in the country. For more information, please visit www.tpb.gov.ph.
Reference:
Maria Charina Quiwa
Manager
Marketing Communications Department
cha_quiwa@tpb.gov.ph