BOI and ECCP Unveil Updated 2026 Guidebook to Facilitate Investment in the Philippines
In a significant move to enhance the country's investment landscape, the Board of Investments (BOI), in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and DivinaLaw, officially launched the 2026 edition of the Doing Business in the Philippines Guidebook on January 22, 2026. The event, held at the DivinaLaw office in Makati City, gathered key government officials and heads of European diplomatic missions, marking a pivotal moment for economic collaboration.
A Comprehensive Resource for Investors
The guidebook serves as an essential tool for potential investors, providing a detailed overview of the Philippines' laws, policies, regulations, and procedures. It is designed to boost investor confidence and support informed decision-making by offering insights into the evolving business environment. According to Executive Director Fondevilla of the BOI, this publication is more than just a manual; it is a critical instrument for growth that tracks rapid advancements in priority sectors such as manufacturing, mineral processing, security and defense, and renewable energy.
"These industries align perfectly with the BOI’s own sector-specific value propositions, curated to attract sustainable, high-value investments," Fondevilla emphasized during his speech. The guidebook reflects the priorities of Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Cristina Roque, focusing on ease of doing business through streamlined processes for investors, thereby addressing inquiries and facilitating efficient establishment of operations in the country.
Strengthening Partnerships and Highlighting Growth Sectors
Entering the second year of this strategic partnership, the BOI remains committed to collaborating with the ECCP and DivinaLaw. The inaugural edition in 2025 was highly successful, with oversubscription indicating strong demand from both prospective and existing investors. The 2026 edition introduces significant updates on key sectors poised for growth this year, including:
- Real estate
- Mining
- Renewable energy
- Fintech
- Telecommunications
During the program, a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was held to reaffirm the ongoing partnership among the BOI, ECCP, and DivinaLaw. The MOA was signed by Executive Director Fondevilla for the BOI, Atty. Nilo Divina, Managing Partner of DivinaLaw, and Mr. Paulo Duarte, President of the ECCP.
European Investment and Economic Resilience
ECCP President Paulo Duarte presented an overview of the 2026 publication and shared the foreign business perspective on the ease of doing business in the Philippines. He highlighted that despite global uncertainties, the Philippine economy remains resilient, driven by a young, growing population and strong English proficiency, positioning it among the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN.
Europe has emerged as a primary source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with European investments accounting for over Php42 billion in registered projects with the BOI in 2025, concentrated in energy, transportation, and manufacturing. Based on the ECCP’s 2025 Business Sentiment Survey, 70 percent of the European-Philippine business community plans to increase trade and investment in the next year.
The ECCP acknowledged that the Philippine government is actively modernizing policies to attract foreign investors through measures like the Green Lane Initiative, which streamlines the permitting and licensing of strategic projects. This guidebook is a testament to these efforts, aiming to foster a more conducive environment for international business operations in the Philippines.
