Businessworld Forecast 2025 to explore Phl's path toward steady growth

An observed steady and stabilizing growth for the global economy, albeit at a sluggish pace, is seen to translate into sustained growth for the Philippine economy.

Both the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are optimistic about the local economy becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, although some agencies express caution, citing high interest rates and climate concerns, among others. To keep the country's economic momentum going, it must address headwinds impacting its growth potential and ensure that key drivers continue to support growth and development.

This year, Business World's Forecast 2025, titled "PH Forward: Towards a Sustained Growth Path," will once again gather the Philippine business community to discuss outlooks, challenges, prospects and trends that can propel the country toward sustainable and inclusive growth. The forum will feature a keynote address from key officials and economists, coupled with presentations, panel discussions and fireside chats from executives of leading corporations and thought leaders from significant industries.

Keynote speeches will cover the country's economic outlook and agenda in the upcoming year and explore ways to sustain economic growth amid global challenges and uncertainties. To provide the perspective of the national government, Department of Finance Undersecretary Domini Velasquez will deliver a keynote on the "Outlook and Agenda for the Philippine Economy in 2025." Zafer Mustafaoglu, country director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei at the World Bank, will deliver a keynote on "Propelling the Philippines Towards Excellence in the Global Market," while Pavit Ramachandran, country director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), will discuss the topic "Sustaining the Philippines' Growth in a Stabilizing Global Economy" in a video message.

These keynotes will be complemented by a presentation by McKinsey & Co. Manila Managing Partner Jon Canto on his investment outlook for the Philippines in the upcoming year.