MANILA, Philippines – The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GPCCI) welcomed the emphasis placed on regulatory efficiency, energy sector reform — including the proposed amendment to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) — and an expanding network of free trade agreements in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address. GPCCI also noted the Address's link between sustained foreign investment and the government's push on ease of doing business and digital transformation, themes that closely track the priorities GPCCI has raised with Philippine government agencies through its ongoing IMPACT Dialogue Series.
"We are glad to see the President speak with such clear intent about expanding the Philippines' network of free trade agreements," said Dr. Christian Scheld, GPCCI President. "A concluded EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement remains the natural next step, and one GPCCI continues to advocate for on behalf of German enterprises here."
A Partnership Grounded in Dialogue
GPCCI's assessment is informed by its regular engagement with Philippine government agencies through the IMPACT Dialogue Series, which the Chamber views as a practical channel for turning national policy into implementable regulatory practice. The Address's own connection between digital transformation and reduced red tape reflects exactly the kind of structural efficiency GPCCI has advocated for through that dialogue.
"Regulatory efficiency is best achieved through sustained dialogue, not isolated reform," said Dr. Marian Norbert Majer, GPCCI Policy and Advocacy Committee Chairperson. "The commitments outlined in this year's SONA, from energy sector reforms like EPIRA amendments to the digital transformation agenda, give us common ground to build on through IMPACT, and we look forward to working through the details with the relevant agencies."
Sector Expertise for Shared Goals
The Address's emphasis on vocational training and renewable energy resonated with GPCCI, whose member companies bring established expertise in both areas.
"German companies already apply dual-training standards in vocational education and carry deep experience in renewable energy," said Ms. Marie Antoniette Mariano, GPCCI Policy and Advocacy Committee Co-Chairperson. "These are exactly the sectors where the Philippine government's goals and German industry's strengths align. What sustains a partnership like this, though, is consistent follow-through rather than vision alone, and that is the kind of partnership GPCCI looks forward to building with government."
GPCCI looks forward to continuing this cooperation with the Philippine government on improving regulatory efficiency, a subject the Chamber will take up in greater depth at a doing business forum later this year and in its forthcoming Philippines Business Environment Report.
---
This ariticle is a Press Release of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
28 July 2026
---
About GPCCI
GPCCI / AHK Philippinen belongs to the international network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) which is represented by 150 offices in 93 countries. GPCCI is the official representation of German businesses in the Philippines; a bilateral membership organization with around 300 members; and a service provider to companies in their market entry and expansion.
---
Photo credit: https://pbbm.com.ph/2026-state-of-the-nation-address/
