KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Renewed momentum to bilateral trade and investment cooperation with strategic focus on economic zones, regional development, and cross-border business partnerships rippled off the just-concluded 2025 Philippine–Malaysia Business Networking Event, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.
Organized by the Philippine–Malaysia Business Council (P-MBC) under the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia and the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre – Kuala Lumpur (PTIC-KL), the event gathered a diverse group of Malaysian and Philippine business leaders across key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, outsourcing, infrastructure, and talent development.
PCCI president Consul Enunina Mangio opened the forum with emphasis on the Philippines’ strong trade relations with Malaysia and the country’s efforts to position itself as a regional investment hub.
In her keynote address, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela Ponce highlighted ongoing reforms to enhance the country’s competitiveness and ensure long-term investor confidence.
The program featured sector-specific presentations that highlighted opportunities in Philippine agribusiness, outsourcing, and regional economic growth. James Penaflorida Amparo presented an overview of the agribusiness landscape and emerging private sector initiatives in food production. Rene G. Romero, former PCCI Area Vice President for North Luzon, introduced Central Luzon as a strategic location for logistics and industrial development, while Rhoda Castro-Caliwara, co-chair of P-MBC, discussed the Philippine outsourcing industry and the growing availability of highly skilled talent.
Commercial Counsellor Norjamin Delos Reyes of PTIC-Kuala Lumpur summarized the key takeaways and reaffirmed the role of trade missions in bridging business interests. The session closed with remarks from Ms. Castro-Caliwara, who emphasized the importance of sustained business-to-business engagement beyond the event.
Central Luzon in Focus
A regional delegation from Central Luzon took part in the forum, composed of Renato and Agnes Romero of Romac Group, Felix Asuncion of ADM Ventures, Macky Nicdao of Tigerhost, and Jerry and Miriam Arenas of Aresun Services.
The group presented investment opportunities in Clark Freeport Zone, New Clark City, and surrounding growth areas, particularly in logistics, digital infrastructure, BPO operations, tourism estates, and industrial zones.
Several Malaysian delegates expressed interest in exploratory business visits to the region, signaling potential follow through on partnerships discussed during the event.
While logistical connectivity such as the restoration of the Clark–Kuala Lumpur flight was mentioned during discussions, the central theme of the forum remained clear, the Philippines and Malaysia are committed to deepening economic ties through investment collaboration, strategic partnerships, and sustained business dialogue.
Both the Philippine and Malaysian embassies reaffirmed support for enhanced commercial engagement, with institutional partners including PCCI, P-MBC, and PTIC-Kuala Lumpur taking the lead in facilitating follow-up actions.
Organizers confirmed plans to coordinate targeted investment missions to Central Luzon and other high-growth regions in the Philippines, while continuing to engage with Malaysian companies interested in expansion. The forum concluded with optimism around long-term partnership potential, anchored in shared regional priorities and a mutual interest in inclusive, sustainable growth.
Press release/Photos: Chef Felix Niño Asuncion
