Philippines

Unprecedented levels of Chinese demand for nickel ore has created a sizeable market opening for the Philippines to expand nickel exports, prompting the country to re-examine the underdeveloped minerals industry and maximise output amid a dearth of supplies in the region. 

Urban transportation networks in the Philippines will benefit from millions of dollars in investment, following the announcement that Cebu City will be home to a new bus rapid transit (BRT) system. The network is expected to alleviate metro congestion and offer opportunities for private contractors and service providers. 

Employment in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Philippines hit an all-time high in August, following a decade of phenomenal growth that has seen revenues and employment expand ten-fold since 2004.

The automotive sector in the Philippines is on track to break all records for sales in 2014, as rising demand and relatively low ownership rates means there is room for extended growth in the market. But delays in the launch of a government support scheme for the industry could hold back investments.

Hopes of a path towards energy independence in the Philippines are gathering pace thanks to encouraging steps forward at the Malolos-1 onshore well in Cebu. Australian oil firm Gas2Grid said in July it is in the process of applying to the Department of Energy (DoE) to increase production for a full appraisal of the field.

Reverberations are expected in the Philippine cement industry from the $54bn planned merger of Lafarge and Holcim as the two companies plan to restructure their operations in the Philippines which could unravel an even bigger shake-up of the local industry.