SwissCham Philippines maps out manufacturing sector strategies in recent brainstorming session

On July 22, 2024, SwissCham Philippines' Manufacturing Innovation Cluster convened held a significant brainstorming session to promote Swiss manufacturing expertise and enhance industry engagement in the Philippines. The initiative aimed to address various challenges faced by manufacturing companies and explore potential solutions to foster a more conducive business environment.

This session saw the participation of leading member companies from the Manufacturing Cluster, including Ivoclar, Hilti Philippines, Brainforce AG, Railway & Industrial Applications Corp. (RIAC), Sateco Philippines, and Prozone Xpress Logistics. The discussion centered on strategies for improving company culture, identifying logistical and operational hurdles, and outlining steps for increasing foreign investment and collaboration with local government agencies. The vision was to leverage Swiss manufacturing best practices to elevate local industry standards and drive economic growth. Hilti’s exemplary company culture, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion was a focal point. Recognized globally as one of the Best Workplaces, Hilti was offered a platform by the Chamber to share its practices with other members. Challenges to attracting foreign investment, such as high logistics costs and security perceptions, were also proactively addressed by the cluster members.

The session culminated in several actionable steps, including exploring renewable energy opportunities and planning further engagement with government agencies such as PEZA and DTI to streamline processes and promote manufacturing initiatives. The cluster remains committed to advocating for policy improvements, enhancing education initiatives, and promoting the Philippines as a premier destination for manufacturing. These efforts aim to create a robust, innovative, and sustainable manufacturing sector in the Philippines, leveraging Swiss expertise and collaborative partnerships.

We invite companies in the manufacturing sector to join our Manufacturing Cluster and work hand-in-hand to drive these initiatives forward. For membership inquiries and further information, please contact us at [email protected].