The Tale of Two States - ICCPI growth Trajectory, Role, Strategic Bridge between Two States for a Call to Action beyond MOA & MOU
- Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines
- Jul 7
- 6 min read
Managing Director & Global Trade Relation Officer | PPP, SPV and ESG Consultant & Business Development. Market Entry of FDI - Foreign Direct Investment entry for 100% business ownership in Philippines for Energy Sector
I'm writing this article wearing two hats as vice president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, and as managing director of iONTEK Power Solution, a local small medium enterprise, working on technologies focus in Filipino Engineering Innovation for Energy Efficiency that help power businesses, literally and sustainably .
And it is from these two perspectives that I will talk about 3 THINGS, how the chamber sees the Philippines economy, and its growth trajectory. How we contribute to this growth by bridging Filipino and Italian businesses and finally, how strategic policies can catalyze sustainable growth in today's complex environment.
From where we see at the Italian chamber, the Philippines is not just recovering.
It's accelerating with Gross Domestic Products Expands by 5.4 Percent in the First Quarter of 2025 , and one of the highest for indirect investment inflows in ASEAN. Philippines next to Vietnam. The Philippine economy is forecasted to grow at a rate of 6.0% in 2025, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
In 2024, Italy's exports to the Philippines were €461 million, and imports were €243 million. Ambasciata d'Italia Manila recorded a volume of € 1.87 billion in bilateral trade.
2025 GDP (IMF Forecast): ~$520 billion (nominal) | ~6.0% growth (real) Sources: IMF, World Bank, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
The momentum is real, but even more important than the numbers is the direction and it's strategic.The country is gradually shifting from being a service economy to becoming a hub for supply chain development.
Green energy , smart infrastructure, and tourism. With the recent policy changes, doing business here is becoming easier and more open.
Foreign companies can now join previously restricted sectors - energy, telecoms, and transport. It's easier to set up retail operations and even small foreign firms are being welcome in . This reforms are making the Philippines stand out.They're sending a clear message. We want long term partners, not just short term investors .
With a young and skilled workforce, strong English proficiency - English Speaking Engineers in alignment to my company business sector and new policies that make it easier for foreign businesses to operate. The Philippines is now in a position to lead ASEAN’s next wave of sustainable growth.
Our chambers see itself as more than a business matchmaker.
We are a long term partner in building trusts, using energy and helping businesses strive on both sides. As I look at it, in terms of the supply change, a supplier and a client is a marriage. ICCPI is the match maker :D
We wed to those we feel comfortable and trust, aren’t we? :D
For Italian companies entering the Philippines, we provide everything from market insights and regulatory guidance to business to business matchmaking. The matchmaker and logistical support.
We help them understand the local culture , build the right partnership, and avoid common pitfalls and even pit bulls… in short, we turn opportunity into traction.
On the flip side, we're just as committed to Filipino businesses, looking to grow in Europe.
Italy can be their gateway to the European Union , and we support them in navigating trade regulations, certifications, and distribution channels, while also connecting them to the right local players in Italy. Something very common to both countries and we have mastered Bureaucracy on the positive perspective.
This two way relationship is key. It's not just about investments. It's about collaboration.
Whether it's clean energy, food exports, tourism, or technologies , we believe Filipino and Italian enterprises have a lot to offer each other.
Our job in the Italian chamber is to bridge those strengths and help them grow together.
Our company Our Team, Team iONTEK™️- The House of Power | Voltage Regulator | Power Supply - UPS, iONTEK power solutions in the energy efficiency sector.
It's one of the chambers successes , a working progress, if I may say, a brainchild of my engineer husband, and my pet project as an entrepreneur, has evolved into a business that leverages Italian technology in helping make Filipino businesses and government agencies more sustainable.
With the assistance from the chamber, one of my goals in serving ICCPI as VP is to replicate this experience for other Filipino SMes. We can grow together and positively impact our economy and communities . We can make it happen.
How can strategic policies catalyze sustainable growth in today’s complex environment?
Now , where global markets are more interdependent. Climate risks are real and technology is changing fast . Growth has to be intentional. It has to be guided by smart, forward looking policies. Strategic policies, are not just about attracting investment .
They're about shaping the kind of investment that builds long-term value. Value for business, communities, and the environment.
A concrete example is the amendment to the Public Service Act , RA 11659, and in the Energy Efficiency Act, RA 11285, where it empowers the energy sector.
By allowing full ownership in key infrastructure sectors for energy, telecommunications, and transport, the Philippines didn't just liberalize investment.
It opened the door to technology transfer, the transfer knowledge. Higher service standards , and regional competitiveness. If implemented well, this can accelerate digital connectivity.
Energy resilience and smart mobility
, all critical enablers of a sustainable economy.
But here's the catch. Policy is only one half of the equation.
The other half is execution, making sure that incentives are clear. Incentivize, monetize, regularize - the regulation are stable, and businesses have a transparent path to entry and growth. At Italian chamber, we always tell our partners, with the right policies in place and the right partnerships on the ground, we can turn complexity into opportunity.
Strategic policies don't just create growth. They define the quality of that growth.And today, quality means green, inclusive and future proof.
Two States for a Call to Action beyond MOA & MOU
Growth doesn't happen in isolation. It happens through partnerships, collaboration, cooperation and even coopetition. My call to action is this.
If you're an Italian or European business, eyeing the Philippines, now is the time to take that first step. We're here to guide you. Support you and grow with you.
And if you're a Filipino business same as mine, ready to explore Europe, don't wait for that perfect conditions . Let's start the conversation. You don't need to do it alone.
Italian chamber, we believe in building, not just markets, but relationships that last—— rooted in trust, innovation, and shared opportunity.
Trust me. Do you Trust me? 😊
Building relationships beyond business. For us, partnership is not transactional; it’s transformational. Like a lasting marriage, our bond with the Philippines is built on commitment—where challenges are met with collaboration, and growth is mutual. Here, there’s no easy exit, only deeper roots.
Together, we don’t just do business. We build legacies. Let’s grow together—strategically, sustainably, and successfully.
And today, with strategic reforms in the Public Service Act, Renewable Energy
Act and Energy Efficiency Act, the possibilities are limitless.
But wait—there’s more.
The upcoming Subic-Clark Business Conference isn’t just another event; it’s the launchpad for factories, futures, and Filipino-Italian triumphs. Let’s fill those spaces with steel, those blueprints with breakthroughs.
Register: let's meet and introduce yourself. How can we help you?
The time isn’t coming—it’s now.
The policies are set. The partnerships are ready. The only question is: Are you? !
Maraming salamat -- TARA USAP TAYO. See you at the next mission, where we’ll turn ‘can do’ into done.
Let’s build. Let’s innovate. Let’s dominate. Grazie mille!
~ milagrosa russelle ballestar collaboration written works Czarina Catherine Andrada #MIBL AIM-MIBL 2025 - International Business Law Asian Institute of Management
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tale-two-states-iccpi-growth-trajectory-role-bridge-ballestar--tq8tc/
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