The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
A top official of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said recently that the country’s young and dynamic workforce could help cushion the impact of the 19-percent tariff currently imposed by the United States on Philippine exports.
PCCI Innovation Committee Chair and EMS Group of Companies CEO Perry Ferrer said the Philippines’ demographic advantage remains a strong asset as trade officials continue negotiations with their U.S. counterparts to lower the tariff rate imposed since August 7, 2025.
“We have that demographic sweet spot of our people and we’re right in the middle. When you look at the map, the Philippines is really at the center. So we can capitalize not only on our geographical location but also on our people,” Ferrer said on the sidelines of the 51st Philippine Business Conference at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
He said the country’s large share of working-age citizens gives it a competitive edge, calling the Philippines “the HR of the world.”
While efforts to secure more favorable trade terms continue, Ferrer emphasized the importance of improving governance, especially amid the controversies surrounding alleged irregularities in infrastructure projects.
“We have to improve and show that we can recover from it. But our plea to the administration is we should do it fast… We cannot let it drag without any measurable or visible actions,” he said.
Ferrer noted that some investors are adopting a wait-and-see attitude while investigations into the flood control projects are ongoing. He also urged stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to expedite project evaluation and implementation.