16 June 2025, Seoul – Secretary of Trade and Industry Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque was on an Official Visit to the Republic of Korea from 14-16 May 2025, and to participate in the Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Jeju.

On 15 May 2025, Secretary Aldeguer-Roque met with global tech leader Google, on the sidelines of the APEC MRT 2025, to explore strategic opportunities that will enhance the country’s digital infrastructure and capability. The meeting focused on advancing data center infrastructure and internet connectivity, and deepening cooperation in digital workforce development. This initiative reflects the government’s broader efforts to attract high-value investments aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s digital transformation agenda.

Google was represented by its officers namely, Vice President and Global Head for Government Affairs and Public Policy, Mr. Karan Bhatia; Google Cloud’s Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy-Southeast Asia Cluster, Ms. Su Ann Lim; Asia Pacific Head of Trade Policy and Competitiveness, Mr. Darry Lim; while Secretary Aldeguer-Roque was joined by PTIC-Seoul Commercial Counsellor Charmaine Mignon S. Yalong.

Secretary Aldeguer-Roque stated that “The Philippines stands ready to be a vital partner in the global digital value chain. With our young, tech-savvy population and rapidly strengthening infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for inclusive innovation and sustainable growth.”

She also emphasized the Philippines’ strategic role in the global value chain, citing the country’s top exports which include electronics, semiconductors, machinery, and equipment. Additionally, she highlighted the Philippines’ capacity to support advanced manufacturing for tech giants like Google. She lauded Google’s continued contribution to the country’s digital landscape, particularly its investments in subsea internet cable development and the IT-BPM sector.

With a population of 110 million and strong digital consumption habits, the Philippines is poised to become a strategic destination for hyperscaler companies. The government further bolsters this investment climate through pro-investment incentives under the CREATE MORE law and the country’s robust digital backbone. These include 19 international subsea cable systems, 13 cable landing stations, over 840,000 kilometers of domestic fiber optic rollout, and 25 operating commercial data centers with a combined rack capacity of 19,000. In the meeting, Secretary Aldeguer-Roque further reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to supporting hyperscaler operations by advancing proactive measures. These include talent development, intellectual property protection, and data privacy and cybersecurity policies promotion.

On 16 May 2025, Secretary Aldeguer-Roque was joined by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega and PTIC-Seoul Commercial Counsellor Yalong in her meetings with Lotte GRS and other leading South Korean conglomerates.

The meetings discussed the Korean firms' planned investments and expansion into the Philippine market, particularly in the areas of food service, franchising, and retail modernization. These high-level engagements support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s economic agenda to position the Philippines as a strategic hub for regional and global trade, while driving inclusive growth and job creation.

Secretary Aldeguer-Roque expressed appreciation for the continued confidence of Korean companies in the Philippine market, while underscoring the country’s young, and dynamic population of over 115 million. She also highlighted the country’s strategic position in ASEAN, while trumpeting the government’s efforts to foster a competitive and investor friendly business environment.

Secretary Aldeguer-Roque said “with the CREATE MORE law in place, our partners enjoy one of the most competitive and forward-looking incentive systems today— through smarter incentives, streamlined processes, and a vibrant consumer base ready for innovation.” 

South Korean retail firms also aim to invest in joint ventures, master franchise agreements, and localized operations that will generate employment, strengthen supply chains, and modernize retail distribution in the country, progressing beyond exporting their brands. In particular, Lotte GRS, the restaurant service arm of the Lotte Group, is preparing to launch its flagship brand “Lotteria,” targeting at least 30 store openings across five years. This initiative has a strong focus on local sourcing and workforce development.

Other firms outlined plans to introduce modern convenience store formats tailored to the urban Filipino lifestyle, building on their success in markets such as Vietnam and Mongolia through partnerships with local operators. The companies underlined their commitment to local sourcing, with over 95% of the products offered in their overseas stores sourced within the host country. These include fresh items such as fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, and salads. The discussions also covered initiatives to integrate digital commerce platforms and strengthen last-mile delivery services, enabling technology-driven retail experiences in the Philippines.

South Korean firms are likewise exploring opportunities in restaurant expansion and import-export channels for Philippine agricultural and seafood products. One company, which recently signed a partnership with a Philippine firm, is set to open its first store in Manila by August 2025. END