President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. headlined the 2024 Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City, on May 21, 2024, underscoring efforts to enhance the Philippines’ economic and business landscape. The event, was organized by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) in collaboration with the Philippine Government and the U.S. Department of State, and aimed to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the U.S. and its Indo-Pacific partners.
This year’s IPBF gathered over 500 business leaders, project developers, government officials, and industry experts from across the region, with a virtual platform ensuring broader participation. The forum featured panel discussions, networking opportunities, and business-matching sessions focused on infrastructure investments, particularly in clean energy transition, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, supply chain resilience, and health and food security. Attendees gained insights into government tools and programs supporting regional economic projects.
The 2024 IPBF was a direct outcome of President Marcos Jr.'s recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he invited American business leaders to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines during the Philippines-U.S. Business Forum. He emphasized that the IPBF served as a platform to showcase the country’s investment potential, reinforcing its position as an attractive destination for international business ventures.