Philippines's population of 84 million people is spread across its three main island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The availability of English-

speaking personnel is a key strength of Philippines.

Its major industries are light industries like electronic components manufacturing, apparel and clothing accessories, woodcraft and furniture making, 

food processing, IT-enabled services, financial services, and retail. Other important industries are agriculture and tourism. Recent growth has been in 

call centres and outsourcing.

Major imports are transport equipment, iron and steel, materials/accessories imported on consignment basis for the manufacture of other electrical and 

electronic machinery and equipment as well as cereals and cereal preparations.

Major investors come from Major investors came from the U.S., Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong.  

Net FDI inflows for the first seven months of 2007 were US$1.6 billion, a 70% increase over 2006 for the corresponding period.