President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made a strong pitch to American business leaders during his address to the U.S. APEC Business Coalition, unveiling sweeping economic reforms designed to attract strategic investments and boost the country’s competitiveness.

“The Philippines stands ready to engage constructively amid global trade uncertainties,” the President declared. “Our priorities are clear: to accelerate inclusive economic growth, attract strategic investments, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving trade architecture of our region.”

President Marcos emphasized the government’s commitment to deep institutional reforms aimed at creating a “predictable, fair, and future-ready business environment.” Among the key measures highlighted:

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code: Streamlines approval processes and enhances private sector participation in infrastructure development. 

CREATE MORE Act: Lowers corporate income tax and offers up to 40 years of incentives for strategic investments. 

Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA): Reduces stock transaction tax from 0.6% to 0.1%, making equity investment more accessible. 

Executive Order No. 18: Establishes green lanes for strategic investments to fast-track approvals. 

Republic Act No. 12252: Liberalizes land lease terms for foreign investors, extending them up to 99 years. 

Republic Act No. 12289: Ensures fairness and speed in government land acquisition for infrastructure. 

Republic Act No. 12253: Creates a stable fiscal regime for large-scale metallic mining.

The President also spotlighted the role of the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group on Sustainable Finance (ITSF), dubbed the country’s “Green Force,” in accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Finance Roadmap.

“We are undertaking deep, institutional reforms to unlock private capital and sustain competitiveness,” President Marcos said, reinforcing the administration’s goal of building a business-friendly, transparent, and resilient economy.