The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) asked Shein, the world’s largest fashion retailer, to establish manufacturing operations in the Philippines under the CREATE More regime.
CREATE More refers to the recently-enacted Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque met with Shein executives to discuss potential business opportunities in the Philippines at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland.
Roque highlighted the Philippines as a prime investment destination, with CREATE More policy offering a range of incentives such as tax breaks and financial assistance.
The DTI said Shein could take advantage of a growing, skilled workforce while contributing to local job creation.
Roque said the Philippines’ strategic location could also significantly enhance the company’s supply chain, while creating deeper economic ties with the Southeast Asian market.
She also underscored the Philippines’ commitment to building a more inclusive economy, pointing out that such investments will push the administration’s focus on creating opportunities for Filipino talent and boosting the country’s role in global trade.
Roque also showcased the Philippines’ progressive approach to trade and financial systems during the WEF meeting.
She highlighted the country’s strides in digital transformation, including efforts to modernize trade financing to better support small businesses, improve global competitiveness, and the use of AI and digital tools to spur technological advancement.
The DTI noted that with the government’s ongoing initiatives to boost investment and innovation, including its exit from the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list, the Philippines is expected to continue its momentum in attracting foreign investments.
