ECCP: Trade, investment to rise in next 4 years

ABOUT EIGHT of 10 European companies operating in the Philippines expect trade and investment activity to increase over the next four years, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said, even asa corruption scandal involving flood control projects continues to weigh on investor sentiment.

- By Aubrey Rose A. Inosante Reporter

The findings were part of the ECCP’s 2025 Business Sentiment Survey Report released on Thursday that gathered 172 responses from member companies from October to early November.

The chamber said 78.5% of respondents anticipate higher trade and investment activity in the next two to four years, while 20.3% expect conditions to remain steady — reflecting what it described as a “sustained commitment to the market even in the absence of expansion.”

Only 1.2% foresee weaker trade and investment in the medium term.

In the near term, sentiment is similarly upbeat. Over the next 12 months, 70.3% expect business activity to rise, while 26.7% foresee no change. Just 2.9% anticipate a decline.

The relatively positive outlook comes amid what economic managers have described as a temporary drag caused by revelations of widespread graft in public works, particularly flood control infrastructure.

The scandal has slowed government spending, disrupted project pipelines and contributed to weaker investor and consumer confidence.

Asian Development Bank Country Director for the PhilIppines Andrew Jeffries said several tailwinds could support a rebound next year, including monetary easing and strength in services, which account for 60% of employment.