1. Country Analysis: The Republic of the Philippines Erin Sayer
March 27, 2015
2. Geography of the Philippines An archipelago (group of
islands) located between Taiwan and Borneo, about 500 miles from
mainland Asia 7,107 total islands Total land area of 300,000 square
kilometers, or 115,830 square miles
3. Geography and Topography Three main island groups 1. Luzon
2. Visayas 3. Mindanao Volcanic, mountainous islands Most volcanoes
are active 1991: Eruption of Mt. Pinatubo
4. Quick Facts Capital: Manila Population: 105.7 million
Government Type: Republic Presidential (executive) with bicameral
congress & independent judiciary Official Languages: Filipino
(Based on Tagalog) and English Currency: Philippine Pesos (PHP)
Currently, 1 PHP = $0.02234 USD Current inflation rate is 2.8%
5. 10 Year History: PHP USD Exchange Rate
6. 10 Year History: Inflation Rate
7. Infrastructure
8. The Costs of a Poor Infrastructure Public transport average
commute time: 3-4 hours Average speed on major Manila roads: 10 kph
Congestion at airport results in $158.56 million loss for airlines
Highest electricity costs in Asia, lowest consumption per
capita
9. Infrastructure: The Good News Infrastructure budget has
grown by 250% in past 5 years Spending on infrastructure projects
is projected to reach 5% of the countrys $294 billion economy next
year. Major projects include: Lengthening a major light rail to
ease traffic gridlock in Manila Manila Water Company East Zone
Concession Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike Batangas-Manila Natural
Gas Pipeline Mass Transit System Loop Project
10. Political Stability Index
11. Corruption Perceptions Index
12. Current Headlines SOLAR SURGE KICKS OFF IN THE PHILIPPINES
FITCH AFFIRMS INVESTMENT GRADE RATING FOR PHILIPPINES EMERSON OPENS
NEW $35 MILLION FACILITY IN PHILIPPINES THE PHILIPPINES HAS BECOME
THE CALL-CENTER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD PHILIPPINES NOT BACKING DOWN
IN DISPUTED S CHINA SEA WATERS ARMED CONFLICT DISPLACES 120,000 IN
MINDANAO
13. Quick Historical Facts Named after King Philip II of Spain
Occupied by the Japanese during Second World War; most left after
surrender Gained independence in 1946 (Treaty of Manila signed by
President Truman)
14. Corazon Aquino The People Power Protest: 1986 Filipinos fed
up with Ferdinand Marcos oppressive rule Corazon Aquino (pictured)
led peaceful protesting after assassination of her politician
husband, Benigno Aquino. 1986: Marcos surrendered power, Aquino
elected
15. Unique & Interesting Facts Birthplace of karaoke (not
Japan) Flag hung upside down during times of war Yoyo invented in
the Philippines as a hunting weapon Texting capital of the world
171 different languages spoken in country Manila is most densely
populated city in the world (43,079/sq km) Only Christian nation in
all of Asia
16. Business Crash Course Always confirm meeting dates in
advance & provide advance copies of materials. Be on time!
Offer business card first. Use both hands and present face up. When
receiving a card, study before pocketing. Greet oldest or highest
ranking person first with a firm handshake. Use titles and
surnames. Act interested, but not nosy. Always accept food if
offered. Package gifts nicely. Appropriate to give books, small
electronics, and items unique to own culture. If you receive a
gift, wait to open.
17. Why do Business in the Philippines? Literacy rate: 94.6%
English taught in all schools Worlds 3rd largest English speaking
country Biggest copper producer in SE Asia Among top 10 producers
of gold in the world Wages typically less than 1/5 of those in US
Communication, electricity & housing costs 50% lower than US
Open economy allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors
Memberships: UN, ASEAN, APEC, ADB, WTO, WB, IMF, IAEA, ILP, IPU Top
5 exports: integrated circuits, computers, semiconductor devices,
office machine parts, electrical transformers Outsourcing is
in.
18. Wrap-Up Economic growth: Since 2004, economy has been in
steady recovery mode Projected 6.7% in 2015 Exports up 12% in 2014
Expected to have 2nd fastest growing economy in 2015 (China is #1)
Money in outsourcing Low wages Young workforce, fluent English with
western accents Similar cultures Common theme: IMPROVEMENT
infrastructure, political stability, corruption
