Country Outlook: The Philippines
Patrick Wall
Commercial Counselor
U.S. Commercial Service
Manila, Philippines
Asia-Pacific Business Outlook 2010
The Philippines – Geography and People
7,107 islands – size of New
England
94 million people
Over 10 million Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFWs)
Ethnic groups: Malay,
Chinese
Religion: Catholic (85%),
Protestant and Muslim
The Philippines – Natural Resources &
Culture
5th most mineralized country in the world
Underwater biodiversity
Agricultural breadbasket
Emerging medical tourism/eco-tourism
destination
Positive Opinion of U.S.
Filipinos: 95% favorable view of U.S.
Filipinos see the U.S. as the most important player
in the region
Translates into great U.S. brand acceptance –
competitive advantage for U.S. firms
U.S. - Philippine Ties
Colonial Era
1898 to 1946
World War II
Shoulder to Shoulder
Matured Friendship
English Language
Democratic Principles
2.5 million Fil-Ams in the U.S.
130,000 estimated American citizen residents in
the Philippines
Amcham Philippines – 100 years
Vibrant democracy with free, raucous press
Bicameral legislature; 3 branches of government
modeled after the U.S.
Presidential elections/ - May 10, 2010
Vying for Presidency are:
Senator Manny Villar
Senator Benigno Aquino
former President Joseph Estrada
former Defense Secretary Gilbert
Teodoro
The Philippines – Government &
Politics
Why the Philippines?
U.S. is #1 trading partner
Strong economic growth = strong demand
Well established market for U.S. business
American brands are well-known and trusted
Strong affinity for Western culture
Third-largest English-speaking in the world
Filipino people are eager consumers and
early adapters of new trends and
technologies
Why the Philippines is resilient?
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) inflows continue to
defy gravity – $10 billion in remittances (equivalent to
2% of GDP); About 10 million Filipinos living/wo