Opportunities in Manila

For Buyers - non-traditional intermediate products and more advanced goods.

For Sellers - the region needs capital for its industries, household goods to meet increasing consumer demands, business and professional services and technological expertise to support infrastructure projects.

For Manufacturers - the region offers a large, generally well educated, cost competitive and skilled workforce.

For Investors - with the advent of trade liberalization, greater foreign ownership is accepted in many sectors particularly in wholesale/retail trade and build-operate transfer schemes in the utilities sector.

Reasons for Doing Business in Metro Manila

- The region offers special economic zones as investment sites particularly IT Parks, Industrial Parks and Freeport Zones which are strategically located in the region.

- The region boasts of varied opportunities where both business and pleasure can go hand in hand for today`s businessmen.>? It offers a comfortable lifestyle which is preferred by most expatriates.

- There is a more liberalized business environment due to various economic reforms implemented.

- Availability of skilled, highly trainable and english speaking labor force.

- At the crossroads of international shipping and air routes which makes it a perfect position as intermediary between Asia and the rest of the world.

- Presence of a Trading "Bagsakan" Center where all sorts of raw materials are available.

- Constitute a huge domestic market for modern consumer goods due to its large population.

- Seat of the National government, presence of training facilities, educational institutions.

 Business Hours

Most businesses are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 8:00 AM till noon Saturdays. Banks are open from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. When banking in the Philippines, it is advisable to have your passport with you for identification.

 The post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays only. Local postage is PhP 4.00 for a standard letter and PhP 16.00 for letters to America and Europe. Stamps for postcards are frequently available from the Concierge Desk at most major hotels. The Philippines uses ZIP codes, please include them in addressing local mail.

NOTE: The Standard lunch hour is noon to 1:00 PM. Most businesses and government offices are closed.

 Foreigners interested in setting up in any of the EPZs can register at the:

Philippine Economic Zon