Embassy of the United States Manila, Philippines

Two years ago, President Obama announced the National Export Initiative (NEI) with the goal of doubling exports by 2014.  The U.S. Embassy in Manila is committed to supporting U.S. companies to start exporting or growing their exports to the Philippines.  

If you are considering exporting to the Philippines, below are a few steps you can take to learn more.  

• Visit the Export.gov Philippines for an overview of economic conditions and opportunities.  Access the U.S. Commercial Service Market Research Library for Philippines-specific market reports, authored by commercial specialists working in Manila.   
• Read the 2012 Country Commerical Guide on the Philippines (PDF) for information on market challenges and opportunities, leading sectors for U.S. exports, and more.
• Contact your local U.S. Export Assistance Center for advice and support on exporting to the Philippines.
• Contact your local Small Business Development Center (SBDCs).  SBDCs can provide educational services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Contact in-country business support organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines or the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council.
• Make use of business matchmaking services, customized market research, and other services through the U.S. Commercial Service in Manila.

Investing in the Philippines

The Philippines growing middle class, strong domestic demand, stable political situation, sound macroeconomic policy and GDP growth makes it worth a closer look for U.S. companies seeking to invest overseas.  However, the Philippines investment climate also presents challenges for firms looking to invest. 

Potential Investors: Getting Started

If you are considering investing in the Philippines, below are a few steps you can take to learn more.  

• Read the Investment Climate Statement for the Philippines. 
• Register with the U.S. Embassy if you are planning a visit to consider investment.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy Commerical Task Force at office.manila@trade.gov to set up a courtesy briefing and get advice on Indonesia’s economic environment.
• Contact in-country business support organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines or the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council. 

Current Investors: Staying Connected. 

If you are a current U.S. investor in the Philippines, the U.S. Embassy wants to stay in touch.  Here are a few steps you can take to keep the channels of communication open.

• Contact the U.S. Embassy Economic Team at office.manila@trade.gov to let us know that you are active in Indonesia or to set up a meeting to discuss any issues you are facing.
• Add us to your mailing lists - we are always happy to stay informed.
• Subscribe to our U.S. Embassy Manila Facebook page.
• Subsribe to our U.S. Embassy Twitter feed.  

Working in and Traveling to the Philippines

Business Visas

For information on obtaining a visa to the Philippines, visit the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy website or the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website.  

Travel Advisories

Before you travel, check the current State Department travel advisories. 

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is an important anti-corruption tool designed to discourage corrupt business practices in favor of free and fair markets.  The FCPA prohibits promising, offering, giving or authorizing giving anything of value to a foreign government official where the purpose is to obtain or retain business.  These prohibitions apply to U.S. persons, both individuals and companies, and companies that are listed on U.S. exchanges. The statute also requires companies publicly traded in the United States to keep accurate books and records and implement appropriate internal controls.   

Companies seeking to know whether a proposed course of conduct would violate the FCPA can take advantage of the opinion procedure(PDF 136KB).  Within 30 days of receiving a description of the proposed course of conduct in writing, the Attorney General will provide the party with a written opinion on whether the proposed conduct would violate the FCPA.