Philippines is expected to be among global leaders in terms of trade growth over the next five years

PH tipped to be world’s 15th fastest-growing trader by 2029

Alden M. Monzon
Inquirer.net
15 March 2025

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is expected to be among global leaders in terms of trade growth over the next five years, both in terms of speed and volume, according to a report from logistics firm DHL Express.

Issued jointly with the New York University Stern School of Business, the 292-page report titled DHL Trade Atlas 2025 covers data from the past five years up to January 2025.

The report forecasts that the Philippines will rank 15th in terms of growth rate in the five-year period up to end-2029.

This would mean an improvement of 114 notches as the Philippines ranked 129th based on growth rate in the 2019-2024 period.

According to the report, the Philippines’ trading activities grew by a mere one percent in volume during 2019-2014. For the next five years, Philippine trade is expected to grow by 7 percent.

Also, the Philippines is tipped to rise to 30th globally in terms of absolute growth in volume, from 68th in the previous five years.

The country is grouped with Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, which are expected to be the new entrants in the top 30 for both rankings—speed and scale.

“As we look toward the future of trade in Asia, it’s clear how trade growth has proven surprisingly resilient in the face of recent disruptions. With the ongoing diversification of supply chains that continues to reshape the commerce landscape, Asia has steadfastly emerged as a key player in the global market,” said Ken Lee, DHL Express CEO for the Asia-Pacific region. INQ

Pinoy pop group tops Billboard's World Digital Song Sale

SB19 ‘DAM’ debuts at number 1 in Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart

Story by GMA Integrated News 
11 March 2025

SB19 world domination, indeed!

The P-pop Kings debuted number one at the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart for their latest single “DAM,” Billboard Philippines reported on Tuesday.

The achievement makes SB19 the first Filipino act to top the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.

SB19 is no stranger to the chart though. “DAM” is the P-Pop band's 2nd song to appear on the chart, following their smash hit “Gento” which debuted and peaked at number eight in June 2023.

The Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart is a music chart ranking the top 10 best-selling digital singles on a weekly basis.

SB19 released “DAM” in February, the first single from their upcoming comeback EP "Simula at Wakas."

According to the group, "DAM" is a play on the Filipino word "Pakiramdam." The song is an anthem about staying true to one's values and principles amidst the sacrifice required to achieve greater dreams in career and life.

SB19 will go on a world tour in support of the EP, with the kickoff concert scheduled on May 31 at the Philippine Arena.

Composed of Pablo, Stell, Ken, Josh, and Justin, SB19 debuted in 2018 and has become one of the most successful P-pop groups today. They are known for their songs "MAPA," "GENTO," and "Nyebe."

— Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News

Ilocos Norte eyed as economic hub in Southeast Asia

Ilocos Norte eyed as economic hub in Southeast Asia

Louella Desiderio 
The Philippine Star 
March 9, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center and the provincial government of Ilocos Norte have teamed up to promote the province as a key economic hub in Southeast Asia through the implementation of PPP projects.

In a statement, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on Feb. 28 at the PPP Center office in Quezon City.

The event was led by PPP Center executive director Ma. Cynthia Hernandez and Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Marcos-Manotoc, with NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and PPP Center deputy executive director Jeffrey Manalo in attendance.

The MOA aims to improve infrastructure development and spur economic growth in Ilocos Norte by focusing on a robust pipeline of PPP projects.

The parties will be working together in the various stages of the PPP implementation process, including project review, approval, procurement, implementation and monitoring.

To transform the province into an economic hub in the region, there are plans to revive international flights to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan from the Laoag International Airport.

This would boost tourism and increase connectivity between Ilocos Norte and major international markets.

In addition, the partnership will push for policies to support the agriculture sector through the organization of cooperatives to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The parties will also work together in promoting innovations in renewable energy, data centers and manufacturing to encourage both local and global investments and create high-quality jobs.

“By leveraging the strengths of both the public and private sectors, we can mobilize resources, enhance efficiency and ensure long-term sustainability in our development efforts,” Balisacan said.

He said PPPs play a crucial role in accelerating economic growth and the PPP Center can facilitate the implementation of such projects.

The government is pushing for PPPs to address the country’s infrastructure gaps and tap into the private sector’s expertise.

“I hope the activities outlined in the MOA and the lineup of proposed projects by the provincial government inspire other local government units and implementing agencies to explore PPPs as a means for rapid and sustainable economic transformation,” Balisacan said.