President Marcos says Mindanao is a promising investment destination as peace takes hold, with Malaysian business interest growing.
KUALA LUMPUR: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared Mindanao a promising investment destination as peace and stability take hold in the southern Philippines.
He described the southern Philippine island as a “promised land” ahead of its first-ever parliamentary election for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao scheduled for March 26 next year.
Marcos stated that the region’s vast potential had long remained untapped due to years of conflict.
“We are now in the midst of planning the parliamentary election for BARMM,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
He added that this election represents a huge step forward for the region’s political development.
“I think that once we get that, there will be many, many offers of investment,” Marcos said.
The President was in Kuala Lumpur to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits which concluded on Tuesday.
He confirmed that peace in the southern region has paved the way for renewed investor confidence.
Marcos identified Malaysia, Japan, the European Union, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation as key supporters of Mindanao’s economic transformation.
These partners are backing projects in infrastructure, agriculture, and education across the region.
“They have made many significant offers to help build up the economy once we reach the point of having an elected parliament,” he said.
Marcos explained that the region currently operates under a transition authority.
“Once we shift towards an elected parliament, we will be able to take advantage of all these opportunities,” he stated.
The President expressed strong optimism about Mindanao’s economic prospects following the political transition.
Mindanao serves as the Philippines’ primary food basket with significant agricultural output.
The region accounts for 36% of the nation’s farmland and 42% of its total food trade.
Major agricultural outputs include banana, coconut, cacao, coffee, and tuna.
Media reports indicate Mindanao’s economy is poised for revival with strong Malaysian business interest.
Malaysian business leaders showed particular interest during a high-level trade and investment mission led by the Mindanao Development Authority last week.
The Philippines–Malaysia Business Networking Session on October 23 attracted prominent Malaysian corporate and investment figures.
Participants explored Mindanao’s potential as an emerging hub for agribusiness, halal industry development, infrastructure, and clean energy.
Economic data reveals a substantial trade relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines.
Malaysia recorded a trade surplus of 1.37 billion ringgit with the Philippines in August 2025.
Exports to the Philippines amounted to 2.06 billion ringgit while imports totaled 689 million ringgit.
Malaysia’s main exports to the Philippines were integrated circuits worth 341 million ringgit.
Other significant exports included palm oil valued at 245 million ringgit and refined petroleum worth 101 million ringgit.
Malaysia’s key imports from the Philippines comprised integrated circuits valued at 225 million ringgit.
Additional imports included cocoa beans worth 32.8 million ringgit and electric batteries valued at 29.1 million ringgit.
The Philippines’ exports to Malaysia showed strong growth in August 2025.
Exports increased by 10.3% year-on-year to 226 million US dollars compared to 204 million US dollars in the same month last year. – Bernama
