Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Conducted by:
Gernette Y. Condez
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1 The Economy of the Philippines
1.1.1 Economic and Policy Developments
The Philippines was one of the region's top three development performers in 2017.Much
more has been achieved by Vietnam and China. The Philippine economy grew year-on-year from
6.9% in 2016 to 6.7% in 2017. Growth was rooted in strong exports, while growth in investment
slowed considerably and growth in consumption moderated. The Philippines’ annual exports
rose sharply in 2017 and became the main engine of economic growth, while imports continued
to grow by double-digits. Investment growth slowed in 2017, following two consecutive years of
rapid expansion, and climbing inflation slowed real wage growth and contributed to a
moderation in private consumption growth.
Sustained economic growth is likely to continue to contribute to poverty reduction. Under
the assumption that the responsiveness of the poverty rate to economic growth follows historical
trends, the poverty rate, based on the lower middle-income poverty line of US$3.20/day, is
projected to decline from 27.0 percent in 2015 to 22.9 percent and 21.7 percent in 2018 and
2019, respectively, as economic growth remains robust. These projections would imply a
continuing trend of one million Filipinos being lifted out of poverty each year. Factors that have
been driving poverty reduction in the Philippines include the movement of employment out of
agriculture, a sustained inflow of remittances, and the government’s conditional cash-transfer
program.
1.1.2 Prospects and Risks
The country’s medium-term growth outlook remains positive. The Philippine economy is
projected to continue on its expansionary path and grow at an annual rate of 6.7 percent in both
2018 and 2019. In 2020, growth is expected to level at 6.6 percent. The economy is currently
growing at its potential, making productive investment in physical and human capital essential so
that the economy can continue to grow along its current growth trajectory. Investment growth
hinges on the government’s ability to effectively and timely implement its ambitious public
investment program. Moreover, the government needs to clarify the role of the private sector in
its investment program.
Domestic risks are becoming more prominent. Inflationary pressure is expected to
intensify due to both domestic and external factors. The Philippine economy is also at risk of
overheating. The implementation of the public infrastructure program is vital to the country’s
growth outlook, as private investment is expected to weaken. Prudent fiscal management and the
implementation of the government’s tax reform agenda could help secure the country’s fiscal
sustainability. External risks remain present, especially a faster-than-expected policy
normalization in advanced economies that could trigger financial volatility and increase capital
outflows from the Philippines. Renewed protectionist sentiments in several advanced economies
will also elevate policy uncertainty, which may disrupt trade and investments.
Higher real wages are essential to achieve shared prosperity and inclusive growth. In
recent years, the Philippine economy has made great strides in delivering inclusive growth,
evidenced by the declining poverty rates and a falling Gini coefficient. Unemployment has
reached historic low rates, but underemployment remains high, near its 18-20 percent decade-
long average. More importantly, unlike its high-performing East Asian neighbors with booming
manufacturing sectors that provide large numbers of labor-intensive jobs, a majority of Filipino
workers that transition out of agriculture generally end up in low-end service jobs. Thus, while
employment increased between 2006 and 2015, mean wages remained stagnant, with only a four
percent increase in real terms over the same period. Low job quality and slow growth of real
wages are the missing links to higher shared prosperity.
1.2 Top Goods Exported from the Philippines
Primary exports include semiconductors and electronic products, transport equipment,
garments, copper products, petroleum products, coconut oil, and fruits. The Philippines has been
named as one of the Tiger Cub Economies together with Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and
Thailand. It is currently one of Asia's fastest growing economies. However, major problems
remain, mainly having to do with alleviating the wide income and growth disparities between the
country's different regions and socioeconomic classes, reducing corruption, and investing in the
infrastructure necessary to ensure future growth.
1.2 Macroeconomic Trends
Source: The Government of the Republic of the Philippines – Investor Relations Office
The Philippines imports copper ores and concentrates, coal, beef and wheat to fuel
industrial production and support a growing population.
2.2.3 Top Imports from the Philippines to Australia
By the year 2020, all Philippines merchandise exports will enjoy zero tariff when
exported to Australia, providing greater market access for Philippine products.
The Philippines’s major exports to Australia are electrical machinery, consumer
electronics, desiccated coconut and other processed food. Specifically, for food, the Philippines’s
top exports to Australia in 2017 were coconut, processed fruits and extracts, sauces and
condiments, pasta and noodles, biscuits and wafers, fruit juices, fresh and frozen tuna.
Australia has a population of over 24 million. According to the Australian Food and
Grocery Council (AFGC), the fresh food, processed food and beverage sector had a total
turnover of AU$110.6 billion for the period 2015 to 2016. Processed food and beverage is a
AU$104.2-billion industry while fresh food is an AU$6.4-billion industry.
Austal
Austal is an Australian company that specializes in the design and construction of
aluminum vessels. Its main products include passenger and freight ferries, luxury yachts and
military vessels.
Australian International School (AIS)
The Australian International School (AIS) is a multi-disciplinary academic institution that
specializes in bringing best practices in international education to the Philippines. Our goal is to
have all our offered programs lead to or earn international certification or recognition. The
Australian International School provides the best of international education in a nurturing,
student-centered environment across a wide range of programs.
Cardno
Cardno is an ASX-200 professional infrastructure and environmental services company,
with expertise in the development and improvement of physical and social infrastructure for
communities around the world. Cardno’s vision is to be a world leader in the provision of
professional services to improve the physical and social environment.
Crone Partners
Crone Partners is an International Design and Consulting Firm working in markets across
Australia, China, Asia, India and the Middle East. Our Mission, based on innovation, creative
thinking and a sustainable environment, continues to lay the important foundations for the
wellbeing of the Global community and its environment. We deliver Design Excellence
appropriate to the needs of our clients. We embrace a collaborative approach, committing our
highly experienced and well recognized Studio Leaders and their teams work closely with clients
through innovative strategic thinking, allowing the team to balance sustainability, market
awareness and design excellence.
IDP
IDP is a global leader in international student placement and co- owner of the world’s
most popular English language test. IDP Philippines has been involved in education services for
the Filipino people for almost 30 years. The main office is located in Makati with another branch
in Cebu.
Indophil Resources
Indophil Resources, an Australian company, has been present in the Philippines since
1996. Its purpose and vision have been to explore for, acquire and develop gold and copper-gold
opportunities in the Philippines. Its key minerals asset is the well-known and world-class
Tampakan Copper-Gold Project in Mindanao, and as an entity Indophil holds a 37.5% interest in
the deposit, along with global miner Glencore which holds the remaining beneficial interest. The
joint venture company, Sagittarius Mines Inc., holds and manages the combined interest in the
Tampakan deposit, with ownership of the actual deposit sitting with the Philippine Government
on behalf of the people of the Philippines. Indophil is subject to a well-advanced takeover
process by a subsidiary of the Philippine-based Alsons Group which is due for completion before
the end of January 2015.
Macquarie
Macquarie Group is a global financial services provider. It acts primarily as an
investment intermediary for institutional, corporate and retail clients and counterparties around
the world. Macquarie’s diverse range of services includes corporate finance and advisory,
equities research and broking, funds and asset management, foreign exchange, fixed income and
commodities trading, lending and leasing and private wealth management.
OceanaGold
OceanaGold is a significant multinational gold producer with four operating gold mines
and a portfolio of development and exploration assets in the South Island of New Zealand and
the northern Philippines.
QBE Group
QBE Insurance Group Limited is Australia's largest global insurer. It provides insurance
services mainly to Australia, America, Europe and Asia Pacific region. As of 2014, it has over
16000 employees in 52 countries.
Telstra
Telstra is a leading telecommunications and Information services company headquartered
in Australia with international operations based out of Hong Kong. Our success story comes
from our deep understanding and experience in the Asian market for over 30 years. We consider
Asia to be a key growth market – both for Telstra as well as our customers – due to the region’s
vast economic potential. Within the Philippines, Telstra has the flexibility, agility and expertise
to serve customers operating within the region as well as businesses from Europe, the Americas
and other global companies looking to expand into the country and wider Asia. Our operations in
the Philippines serve both global enterprises and wholesale carrier businesses.
BYS Cosmetics
Is a fun, fashionable, luxurious and affordable cosmetics brand from Australia with
innovative products that appeal to all ages. With a strong emphasis on fun and fashion, as well as
sophisticated black styling, BYS continues to fill the void for innovative, good quality and great
value cosmetics that everyone can afford.
BYS Cosmetics has one of the largest ranges of products in the Philippines, with more than
1,000 products available in all 128 Watson stores nationwide.
Cotton On
Strives to deliver the right product at the right price, ensuring it never fails to surprise
and delight its customers. It is a focused, passionate and hand-on brand, with a goal to deliver on
–trend basics, fast and fun fashion, while making sure some fun is had while doing it. Cotton On
products are authentic, relaxed, on-trend, versatile and wearable.
Since opening in September 2012, there are now 21 Cotton On and six Cotton On Kids stores
nationwide.
Ever New
The exciting women’s fashion brand from Melbourne, Australia, is your premier dress
destination. Ever New celebrates the feminine beauty of women, a signature style flowing
through every creative element and inspired by global trends in art, film, theatre and international
haute couture runway shows. Ever New currently has four retail boutique in Manila and one in
Cebu
Holster®
is Australia’s leading jellies footwear brand, based in beautiful Noosa Beach, Australia.
The company designs innovative women’s and children’s footwear covering for the beach and
beyond. The holster® shoe is of superior quality – embellished utilizing striking A-grade jewels,
studs and Swarovski® elements, whilst constructed with a unique focus on detail.The holster®
woman is an ethereal mix of down-to-earth glamour, beach-side romanticism and someone who
smiles with the world; never taking life too seriously. In the Philippines, holster® is available in
all Shoe Salon outlets in Metro Manila and Pampanga.
2.3 Canada
2.3.1 Canada-Philippine Relations
Trade and Investment
In 2018, Canada-Philippines bilateral merchandise trade totaled $2.43 billion, up from
$2.24 billion in 2017. Canadian merchandise exports to the Philippines in 2018 amounted to
$979.1 million, up from $842.5 million in 2017. Top exports include aerospace products, wood
products, meat, and iron ore. In 2018, Canadian merchandise imports from the Philippines were
valued at $1.5 billion, up slightly from $1.39 billion in the previous year. Gains were led by
articles of copper, nuclear machinery, and toys and games.
Canada’s commercial activity in the Philippines includes a long-standing presence in the
insurance sector and a limited presence in the extractive industry, while new business activity is
occurring in the environmental services sector, including clean-tech, and the ICT sector.
Canada’s stock in direct investments abroad in the Philippines in 2018 was approximately $2.1
billion. In addition, given mutual commercial interests and strong people-to-people ties, Canada
has also become an attractive destination for investors from the Philippines.
2.3.2 Top Exports from Canada to the Philippines
In 2018, Canadian merchandise imports from the Philippines were valued at $1.5 billion,
up slightly from $1.39 billion in the previous year. Gains were led by articles of copper, nuclear
machinery.
2.3.4 Major Companies from Canada in the Philippines
Colliers International Phils., Inc.
Colliers International is a Canada-based global commercial real estate services
organization with approximately 17,000 employees in more than 400 offices in 68 countries
PressReader PH
Is a digital newspaper distribution and technology company with headquarters in
Vancouver, Canada and offices in Dublin, Ireland and Manila, Philippines. PressReader
distributes digital versions of over 7,000 newspapers and magazines in more than 60 languages.
Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc.
Sun Life Financial, Inc. is a Canadian financial services company known primarily as a
life insurance company. It is one of the largest life insurance companies in the world, and also
one of the oldest with a history spanning back to 1810.
TELUS International Philippines, Inc.
TELUS International is a subsidiary of TELUS, a national telecommunications company
in Canada. TELUS International provides multilingual customer service outsourcing and digital
IT services to global clients.
The Manufacturers Life Insurance Co. (Phils.), Inc.
Manulife Financial Corporation is a Canadian multinational insurance company and
financial services provider headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The company operates in
Canada and Asia as "Manulife" and in the United States primarily through its John Hancock
Financial division.
Tim Hortons Coffee Services Philippines Inc.
Tim Hortons Inc. is a fast food restaurant chain, specializing in coffee and doughnuts
items. It is Canada's largest quick service restaurant chain; as of December 31, 2018, it had a
total of 4,846 restaurants in 14 countries. The company has its headquarters in Toronto, Ontario
2.4 Middle East
2.4.1 Israeli-Philippine Relations
The Philippines and Israel relations have always been warm and friendly. Political,
Cultural, Economic, Scientific and Technological cooperation between the two countries
continue to prosper.
Philippines and Israel Trade Cooperation continue to grow but remains minimal in
comparison with other countries in Europe and America.
2.4.2 Top Exports from the Middle East to the Philippines
Israel
Top Frontier Investment Holdings (oil & gas): $30 billion, up 4.2%
Ayala (conglomerate): $20.5 billion, up 11.4%
SM Investments (department stores): $18.6 billion, up 7.5%
JG Summit Holdings (conglomerate): $14.9 billion, up 11.2%
San Miguel (conglomerate): $10.9 billion, up 13.2%
Alliance Global Group (conglomerate): $10.7 billion, down -5%
Aboitiz Equity Ventures (conglomerate): $9.6 billion, up 18.6%
PLDT (telecommunications services): $8.8 billion, down -3.2%
References:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/philippines/publication/philippines-economic-
update-investing-in-the-future
https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/southeast-asia-pacific/philippines
https://philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/relations.html
https://www.iro.ph/article_doc/ca496bab_Philippine%20Macroeconomic
%20Presentation.pdf
https://tradingeconomics.com
https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/philippines/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/canad
a_philippines.aspx?lang=eng
https://www.iccp.ph
http://www.philippinesaroundtheworld.com/philippines-top-10-largest-companies/
https://www.amchamphilippines.com/corporate-partners/