FFCCCII optimistic on 2026 growth as Philippines chairs ASEAN

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December 22, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) expects faster economic growth next year as it anticipates a boost from the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“We project that 2026 can be a year of accelerated economic expansion, driven by a multiplier effect from our ASEAN leadership,” FFCCCII president Victor Lim said in a statement.

Despite global headwinds such as geopolitical recalibrations, inflationary pressures, supply chain realignments and domestic challenges including governance issues, the group believes the country can take advantage of regional and domestic opportunities to achieve economic growth as it continues to implement reforms.

“The Philippines’ assumption of the ASEAN chairmanship is an epochal opportunity to elevate our nation’s strategic and economic profile on the world stage,” Lim said.

He said the country’s chairmanship presents an opportunity for the country to enhance investor perception and attract foreign direct investments.

For the group, the chairmanship provides a platform for the country to showcase its strong macroeconomic fundamentals, demographic dividend and public-private partnership pipelines to attract quality, job-generating foreign direct investments.

Lim also said the ASEAN chairmanship is an opportunity to boost tourism and exports by transforming its hosting duties into a long-term nation-branding campaign aimed at attracting tourists and stimulating demand for Philippine exports.

Moreover, FFCCCII sees the ASEAN chairmanship as a platform to showcase the country’s market integration capabilities through seamless logistics, digital innovation and business-friendly initiatives.

“This potential is contingent not on chance, but on concerted action and the political will to pursue nonstop reforms,” Lim said.

He said sustained growth requires an unwavering commitment from all sectors to implement systemic reforms including improving regulatory efficiency, investing in critical infrastructure, enhancing good governance and human capital development.

“We must build an ecosystem where innovation thrives and competitiveness is relentlessly pursued,” Lim said.

To support the growth agenda, he said the FFCCCII would mobilize its network and resources.

“In 2026, let us harness its spirited energy to advance with purpose and unity. By embracing reform, leveraging the country’s ASEAN chairmanship with strategic acuity and fostering unparalleled collaboration, we can overcome global uncertainties and steer the Philippine economy toward a more prosperous, inclusive and resilient future for all,” he said.

From January to September, the economy grew by an average of five percent, below the government’s 5.5 to 6.5 percent growth target for the year.

For 2026, the government is targeting gross domestic product growth of six to seven percent.