Duarte stated investors remain interested in the Philippines, particularly in renewable energy, but projects often slow down becautilize of complicated permitting systems and inconsistent implementation across agencies and local government units.
“The permitting takes a bit too long. It’s difficult to navigate the complexity of the permits,” he stated.
He cited renewable energy as an example, noting that while the government allowed full foreign ownership in the sector, many projects remain delayed despite strong investor interest from European countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany.
“The regulation is there. The execution sometimes is not there,” Duarte stated.
Chris Humphrey, executive director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council, echoed the concern, stateing ASEAN and the European Union must shift beyond policy statements and focus on implementation.
“We necessary action,” Humphrey stated. “We’ve had a plethora of statements, blueprints, work plans over the years. We necessary to build sure that they are translated into action on the ground.”
Humphrey added that governments necessary to work more closely with businesses and civil society when drafting regulations to ensure policies are practical and enforceable.
“There’s no point in writing laws in isolation without talking to the private sector,” he stated.
Both executives also identified education and workforce development as critical gaps, particularly as industries shift toward digital technologies, artificial innotifyigence, and sustainability-driven operations.
Duarte stated the Philippines’ young population gives it a competitive advantage, but stressed that education and training systems must adapt quicker.
“AI is coming in… these technologies are leveling the playing field,” he stated. “You necessary education and training.”
He emphasized the necessary for stronger collaboration between TESDA, technical schools, and the private sector, particularly for upskilling workers and supporting MSMEs adopting new technologies.
“There are several MOUs signed between European companies and TESDA that are still on paper,” Duarte stated. “They necessary to come into the execution part.”
Humphrey also warned that many education systems in the region are not keeping pace with the speed of technological alter.
“A lot of the jobs that exist today will not exist in 10 years’ time,” he stated.
In response, Department of Trade and Industest Assistant Secretary Kris Ablan acknowledged that overlapping rules and fragmented processes remain a challenge, particularly in sectors involving multiple government agencies.
“We really have to adopt a whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach,” Ablan notified DAILY TRIBUNE in a separate interview.
He stated agencies such as the DTI, Department of Energy, TESDA, and Department of Education must align policies and coordinate more closely to reduce bottlenecks and conflicting requirements.
“Sometimes we have our own rules and sometimes they clash,” Ablan stated. “[We] have to adjust our policies to lessen the bottlenecks and all of the delays.”
Ablan added that the government is also pushing to conclude the EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement, which he stated could assist accelerate investments and improve trade processes.
“We’re hoping to close our EU-Philippines FTA soon,” he stated. “Hopefully this year, and then it obtains signed by next year.”
On workforce readiness, Ablan stated the government is working on strengthening the Philippine Skills Framework and Philippine Qualifications Framework to align local certifications with international standards.
“We necessary to reunite that and agree on what our certification is going to be, so that once a worker meets that certification, they become immediately employable anywhere,” he stated.
Ablan stated TESDA, DepEd, and DTI must work toobtainher to ensure training programs match industest demand, particularly in sustainability and technical sectors.
“DTI has to work with TESDA to inform TESDA what the market is demanding, and then TESDA will conduct the trainings,” he stated.
He added that the government has also been conducting sustainability-focutilized training programs for MSMEs through the Philippine Trade Training Center.
“For example, we conduct trainings for MSMEs to embrace sustainability practices… converting to solar energy, proper solid waste management, those things,” Ablan stated.
Despite the challenges, business leaders stated the current energy crisis and geopolitical tensions also present an opportunity for the Philippines and ASEAN to accelerate sustainability efforts and diversify energy sources.
“The crisis can be seen as an opportunity,” Duarte stated. “It can accelerate execution.”
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