PHILIPPINES — The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) strengthened its investment promotion efforts in South Korea through a three-day mission held from August 25 to 27, 2026. The mission included the Philippines-Korea Business Forum, company meetings, and a high-level visit to Samsung Electro-Mechanics headquarters in Suwon.
A Strategic Mission for Growth
The mission was organized by PEZA, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Seoul. Private sector partners included Aboitiz Economic Estates, BDO Unibank, and Asian Consulting Group. The goal was to build a robust pipeline of Korean investments and strengthen existing partnerships.
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga led the delegation. He emphasized that the growing presence of Korean companies in economic zones provides a solid foundation for deeper partnership. The objective is not only to attract new investors but also to support the expansion of existing locators.
Philippines-Korea Business Forum Highlights
The business forum gathered 60 participants from companies across electronics manufacturing, packaging, metals, information technology, and tourism. Discussions covered the Philippine economic outlook, investment opportunities, fiscal incentives, and recent tax reforms. The forum provided Korean investors with a comprehensive overview of doing business in the Philippines.
DG Panga delivered the keynote address, presenting economic zones as strategic locations for Korean companies. He highlighted opportunities in manufacturing and export-oriented operations. Other speakers included Philippine Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez and representatives from BDO Unibank and Asian Consulting Group.
Engaging Key Korean Companies
On the sidelines of the forum, PTIC-Seoul arranged individual meetings with prospective investors. These included companies exploring opportunities in tourism, semiconductor materials, and IT manufacturing. PEZA also met with Jipyong LLC, a leading Korean law firm, to discuss collaboration in promoting the Philippines.
Meetings were also held with manufacturers in the semiconductor and electronics supply chain. These included suppliers of chemicals for semiconductor surface treatment and producers of precision industrial products. Both companies are key partners and suppliers of Samsung Electro-Mechanics.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics Expansion
A key focus of the mission was the growing semiconductor and electronics ecosystem surrounding SEMPHIL's expansion. Samsung Electro-Mechanics Philippines Corporation is undertaking a ₱50.7-billion expansion project. This project was granted Presidential incentives under the CREATE MORE Act.
PEZA sees opportunities for companies to participate in this growing ecosystem. Approximately 30 of SEMCO's Tier 1 suppliers are expected to visit the Philippines in October. These visits will assess opportunities to establish operations in the country.
The OFW and Local Impact
For local Filipinos, the deepening investment ties signal high-value job creation. Over 43,000 Filipinos are currently employed by South Korean firms in economic zones. The expansion will generate thousands more opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, and tourism.
For OFWs, especially those in South Korea's manufacturing sector, this offers viable reintegration options. High-paying, high-tech industrial jobs are now emerging domestically. Deepening bilateral ties also fosters greater stability for Filipinos working in Korea.
