FOREIGN technology start-ups are considering locating in the Philippines, based on feedback from a venture capital conference, the Department of Trade (DTI) said.
Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said venture capital firms expressed “keen interest” after a forum Tuesday with international investors.
“Many of them [are] VCs in the start-up community and technology business investors,” Mr. Lopez said in a mobile message on Tuesday.
The forum was attended by investors from Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the US and Europe.
“Many approached me after and [are] very impressed with the current growth performance of the country and the reforms and the infrastructure buildup, and by our work with small firms and digitalization efforts and inclusive business models,” he said.
“They feel vibrancy [in the] Philippines,” Mr. Lopez added.
The country’s aggressive infrastructure program is attracting foreign investors from across several industries, with the Philippines hoping to repair decades of neglect in public works.
The Trade department, meanwhile, is hoping to improve the business environment for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). — Janina C. Lim
