PH Eyes Foreign Investors After CREATE MORE IRR Signing

The Philippines is gearing up to attract more foreign investments, starting with South Korea, following the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.

Global Investment Roadshows Planned

🌏 Target markets: South Korea, United States, Japan, Europe, Middle East, and China
📅 Kickoff: March 2025 in South Korea
💡 Focus: Encouraging global companies to lower costs and expand operations in the Philippines

“Our job is to entice global investors so that when they think of expansion, they think of the Philippines,” said Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs.

South Korea as the First Stop

📌 Why South Korea? – Described as a “responsive market”, home to major semiconductor players
📌 First big-ticket investment expected from a South Korean firm

Investment Amidst Geopolitical Challenges

Despite tensions with China, the Philippines remains open to Chinese investors.

“Many Chinese companies are looking for opportunities outside their country, and we see this as a good opportunity,” Go said.

What CREATE MORE IRR Offers

📜 Clarifies transitory rules for businesses to continue enjoying tax incentives
💰 Streamlines VAT zero-rating certificates for easier compliance
❌ Prevents double registration to avoid redundant incentives
📈 Strengthens fiscal management for long-term economic stability

“We are ready to compete. We are a dependable economic ally. And yes—we are Trump 2.0-ready,” said Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, emphasizing readiness to engage with the US under Trump’s presidency.

With CREATE MORE, the government aims to not just attract investments—but ensure they stay, grow, and succeed in the Philippines.