New Delhi, India – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a high-level CEO Roundtable in New Delhi on 06 August 2025 as part of his historic State Visit to India, bringing together top business leaders from both countries to advance trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Held at the Taj Mahal Hotel, the roundtable gathered companies operating across both markets, including Indian firms with active or planned investments in the Philippines and Filipino enterprises with a growing presence in India. Priority sectors represented included infrastructure, energy, healthcare, digital services, and manufacturing.
President Marcos Jr. was joined by Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) Secretary Frederick D. Go, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph G. Recto, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Pabitra Margherita, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) President Harsha Vardhan Agarwal, and FICCI Philippines Chairman Rex Daryanani.
Co-organized by FICCI, the event gathered business leaders from priority sectors including infrastructure, energy, healthcare, digital services, and manufacturing. Participating firms included Indian companies with active or planned investments in the Philippines, as well as Filipino enterprises expanding their footprint in India.
During the event, President Marcos Jr. emphasized that the Philippines and India are natural economic partners. “We are two of Asia’s fastest growing economies. We are powered by youthful skilled populations. Moreover, we are both committed to building resilient, innovation-driven economies that deliver opportunities for our people.”
In promoting the Philippines as a strategic investment destination, President Marcos Jr. highlighted key reforms to create a more competitive and investor-friendly environment. These include Executive Order No. 18 establishing Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, the liberalization of foreign ownership in renewable energy projects, and the CREATE MORE Act to enhance fiscal incentives. The President also cited the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act to strengthen human capital.
President Marcos Jr. also highlighted the need to invest in “structured, responsive platforms for engagement” to sustain the momentum of Philippines-India economic ties. He underscored the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment as a vital mechanism that “builds confidence, identifies bottlenecks, and aligns trade and investment priorities,” helping translate opportunities into concrete outcomes. The President emphasized that formalizing a Philippines-India Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) will provide “a focused and pragmatic path toward deeper economic cooperation,” addressing sensitivities while maximizing mutual gains. He noted strong support from both governments and business chambers for moving forward with formal negotiations. Furthermore, he called for enhanced business-to-business collaboration in sectors including ICT, digital technology, semiconductors, renewable energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.
Acknowledging the private sector’s critical role, President Marcos also tasked DTI to coordinate with Indian counterparts to reconvene the Joint Working Group soon and to lead efforts toward establishing the PTA, laying a strong foundation for deeper, more predictable, and mutually beneficial trade and investment ties.
Trade Chief Secretary Cristina A. Roque said DTI is committed to simplifying the business journey of our Indian counterparts to help ensure that their investments flourish.
“We view your companies not merely as investors, but as long-term partners in nation-building. Our strategic location in Southeast Asia, and preferential access to key markets through our extensive network of free trade agreements also makes us one of the most reliable partners,” Secretary Roque said.
As part of advancing President Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision, the DTI, through the Foreign Trade Service Corps and its Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New Delhi continues to promote the Philippines as a prime trade and investment hub. By facilitating high-level business engagements, forging strategic partnerships, and supporting landmark projects, the DTI aims to deepen Philippines-India economic cooperation and attract investments that drive sustainable, inclusive growth. ♦
Date of Release: 11 August 2025