Manila, March 4 (AseanAll) — Companies from the Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK,South Korea) signed several agreements in key strategic industries on March 4, 2026, demonstrating a significant expansion of economic cooperation between the two nations.
The deals, formalized during the Philippines–Korea Business Forum attended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and ROK President Lee Jae Myung, span key sectors including shipbuilding, nuclear energy, aerospace, critical minerals supply chains, retail, and health and wellness.
In his speech, Philippine President Marcos said the signed business agreements “demonstrate the enthusiasm of our private sectors to deepen our strong economic relations.”
“All of these will ripple into significant partnerships that will generate projects, investments, and of course, livelihood,” the President said, addressing business leaders from both the Philippines and Korea at the forum held at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.
The President noted that President Lee’s presence underscored Seoul’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Manila.
“We are grateful to the Republic of Korea for being a steadfast partner in this journey. Because of the confidence that you have placed in our country, foreign direct investments have grown through the decades,” Marcos said.
The President stressed that the newly signed agreements build on a long-standing relationship anchored on mutual respect, cultural exchange, and sustained economic collaboration.
“In a rapidly changing world, resilience is built not in isolation, but in partnership,” the President said, expressing confidence that the deals will help both nations secure a competitive and self-sustaining future.
Marcos assured investors that the administration has been implementing economic reforms to strengthen investor confidence, improve the ease of doing business, and ensure inclusive growth.
The President then expressed gratitude to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Korean Industries for facilitating collaboration between business leaders from both countries.
“Your collaboration exemplifies the very partnership that we seek to cultivate—one grounded in initiative, in coordination, and in purpose,” Marcos said.
“As we move forward, let this gathering give rise to partnerships that are both profitable and purposeful,”Marcos added.
