Philippines eyes expanded international roadshow for CREATE MORE Act
Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, says one of the first stops of the roadshow is South Korea. (File photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ economic czar said on Thursday said the government will push through with their roadshows overseas to raise awareness about the recently enacted Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.
Secretary Frederick Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs said at least seven overseas destinations are scheduled for the initiative.
“What we’re about to do now in the investment team is we’re going to have roadshows. Next week, we’re going to Korea,” he said in his speech at the 2025 Philippine CEO Outlook Forum held at the Manila Peninsula Hotel.
“And after that, to Japan, Taiwan, the United States, European Union, the Middle East and China to promote the Philippines as an investment destination,” Go said.
The CREATE MORE Act was enacted last year, aimed at enhancing investment incentives and further improving the country’s business environment.
This law builds on the original CREATE Act of 2021, which streamlined corporate tax rates and modernized the government’s fiscal incentives system.
CREATE MORE has been touted to have expanded and enhanced tax incentives to attract both local and foreign investments.
A key provision of CREATE MORE is the introduction of more targeted tax incentives and reduced red tape for businesses applying for fiscal support.
Encouraging foreign investments
The government expects this to encourage greater foreign direct investment , generate more jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
In a statement on the same day, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the government will leverage the CREATE MORE Act to attract more investors amid global trade shifts and help mitigate the impact of the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States.
“The Philippine economy is primarily driven by domestic demand rather than exports. This makes us relatively resilient against trade wars,” Recto said.
“However, as with all countries, we are not spared from the impact of the expected decline in international trade and possible slowdown of global growth due to supply chain disruptions, higher interest rates, and higher inflation,” he said.
“Nevertheless, the CREATE MORE Act will strengthen our ability to attract investors looking to expand or relocate to the Philippines, given the relatively lower tariffs imposed on our exports to the US,” he added.
Starting April 9, Philippine exports to the United States will face a 17 percent tariff under US President Donald Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” trade policy.
