1 week ago
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Keisha Ta-Asan - The Philippine Star
March 6, 2025 | 12:00am
During BDO’s market outlook for corporate clients, the bank’s executives underscored strong investor confidence and capital-raising initiatives that will dominate the year.
Businessworld / File
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is poised for significant investment inflows this year, with infrastructure, renewable energy and healthcare emerging as the most attractive sectors for capital, BDO Unibank Inc. said.
During BDO’s market outlook for corporate clients, the bank’s executives underscored strong investor confidence and capital-raising initiatives that will dominate the year.
Eduardo Francisco, president of BDO Capital, said the Philippines is well-positioned for growth, adding that there is an uptick in interest from foreign delegations across Asia, North America and Europe.
“Foreign delegations from Asia, North America and Europe continue to make inquiries and visit BDO, underscoring rising interest and international confidence in the Philippines as a strategic investment hub,” Francisco said.
According to Francisco, foreign investors are actively exploring partnerships and are seeking the right local allies to effectively navigate the Philippine market.
He identified infrastructure, energy, warehousing, cold storage, hospitals and healthcare as prime areas for investment.
Sustainability-focused investors are also keen on financing renewable energy and green infrastructure projects, aligning with the country’s shift toward a more sustainable economy.
“As a pioneer in sustainable finance, BDO is committed to driving business growth. We offer strategic guidance on diversification, business expansion, and forming high-impact partnerships for long-term success,” he said.
Francisco also said that capital-raising activities in 2025 will revolve around bilateral debt, syndicated loans, project finance for public-private partnership initiatives, bonds, private placements and perpetual preferred shares.
Despite a slowdown in initial public offering (IPO) activity, real estate investment trusts (REITs) are expected to attract investors with their stable yields.
BDO chief investment officer Fritz Ocampo said that the Philippines’ consumer-driven economy remains resilient with minimal impact from global economic shifts.
Ocampo recommended that investors looking for short-term placements consider BDO’s Peso and Dollar Money Market Funds, which offer flexibility and competitive returns.
Meanwhile, corporations with excess reserves or pension funds can tap into the US and global equity markets through BDO’s tailored financial solutions.
“To maximize returns, investors can also explore dividend-paying stocks in real estate, telecommunications and banking. The key to long-term growth is diversification,” Ocampo said.
Charles Rodriguez, executive vice president and head of BDO’s Institutional Banking Group, is optimistic in the continued growth of the Philippine economy with diverse industries set to flourish.
“Australian and Canadian companies are actively seeking Philippine partners, particularly in infrastructure, energy and food segments where significant opportunities abound,” he said.
“We also support clients transitioning to renewable energy. We can help investors navigate the complexities of the local market and manage their expectations,” Rodriguez said.
