Updated:2024-11-04 03:16 Views:75
This photo shows a general view of the skyline of Manila. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
With two decades of tough fiscal reforms and a working population that has yet to reach its potential, the Philippine economy is destined for significant growth, according to a report.
“We believe the Philippines is set for takeoff, with the country’s hardworking people as its main source of growth,” Aris Dacanay, economist at HSBC Global Research, said in a report on Thursday.
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FEATURED STORIES BUSINESS Global Dominion dominates with 1B pesos of loans released in a month BUSINESS Trump vs Harris: Views from PH biz BUSINESS Parisian: The footwear that grew with ShoemartAmong the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), it’s expected that the country’s working-age population will be the last to peak in 2035, suggesting that the Philippines will have such an advantage for a longer period of time.
“This demographic dividend should, in turn, boost [gross domestic product] per capita and increase the absolute savings available for further investment. From now until 2029, we expect average incremental savings in the economy to increase by $17.7 billion each year,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisementAccording to government data, gross national savings amounted to P6.6 trillion based on 2023 prices. This was an increase of 35 percent from P4.89 trillion in 2022, as savings from households and the government bounced back from three straight years of contraction.
Article continues after this advertisementDacanay noted employment levels were higher than predicted, boosted by job creation focused on digitalization and women’s greater participation in the workforce.
Article continues after this advertisementAnd while many economies in the world were experiencing rising public debt levels, Dacanay said the Philippines has only strengthened its fiscal coffers to finance long-term investments needed to boost its overall potential.
28th largestAccording to the International Monetary Fund, the Philippine economy will rise to become the 28th largest economy in the world by 2029 from its current 33rd spot.
Article continues after this advertisement“This represents many opportunities for investors to take part in this growth story, with the economy one of the least leveraged in Asean,” Dacanay said.
“The Philippines may not have experienced the same boost in manufacturing as the rest of its regional peers, but it has found its niche in exporting ‘light-asset’ services,” he added. Dacanay was referring to the digital, telecommunications and creative fields, which include business process outsourcing, cinemas and professional consulting.
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“In the age of digitalizationlucky sprite, this serves as a window of opportunity for the Philippines. The advancement of the digital space has made services more tradable, unlocking the potential for services to expand to larger markets and grow,” he added.
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