PRELIMINARY AGENDA

8:30 – 9:00 Networking Morning Snacks


9:00 – 9:45.  A. BUSINESS IN A FRACTURED WORLD OF GEOPOLITICS

2024 saw a shift from a once stable cooperative order to a more uncertain geopolitical global framework marked by conflicts, trade tensions and territorial disputes. This session will present the general impact of such disturbances on global business and the economy.

Issues for discussion:


Invited/Confirmed Presenters: HSBC; Mr. Erich Lingad, President of Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association, Inc. (member of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations); Mr. Manuel Teehankee, International Counsel of THK Strategic Advisors and former Philippine Representative to the WTO and Chair of Committee and Trade; Oxford Business Group; Maersk



B. HOW GEOPOLITICS IS CHANGING BUSINESS


9:45 – 10:45.      B1. Manufacturing and Trade


Based on the recent EY CEO Imperative, we present 4 plausible geopolitical futures that could emerge in the coming years. These scenarios are effects of changes in international relations, trade and broader economic policies. It would be wise for businesses to consider these possible scenarios.


Ranked from most to least likely to happen are:

1. Self - reliance reigns - A new era of isolationism where most economies will focus on self-reliance

2. Cold War 11 - Like the first Cold War, most companies would be forced to trade within distinct economic blocs.

3. Friends First - This future would have a number of regional trade blocs and other "friendly" clubs of countries in which to operate.

4. Globalization lite - much like the situation we had a few years ago.


This session is a Panel Discussion on the impact of such geopolitical futures on various sectors of our industry Discussions will uncover what these sectors are beginning to see in their industry and what strategic measures should work.

Invited/Confirmed Panel Members: DTI; Mr. Earl Lawrence Qua, President of Electronics Industries Association of the Philippines (EIAPI); Dr. Rosalie Arcala Hall, Executive Director of University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies; Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship; Mr. Jesus Arranza, Chairman of Federation of Philippine Industries; Ms. Marites T. Directo, Chairman and President of Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI); Mr. Higinio Porte, Jr., President of Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA)


10:45 – 11:30.    B2. Tourism

Tourism is more vulnerable to geopolitical risks than any other industry as the effect is almost immediate and direct with the cancellation of trips and suspension of flights which instantly lead

to excessive seat demand. This session will deep dive into the present situation of the market

and discuss options to keep the industry growing.

Invited/Confirmed Panel Members: Mr. Benito Bengzon, Former Undersecretary of Department of Tourism; Ms. Evangeline Tankiang-Manotok, President of Philippine Travel Agencies Association, Inc. (PTAA); Mr. Arjun P. Shroff, President of Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA);
Mr. Eugene T. Yap, President of Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP)



11:30 – 12:30.    B3. Construction and Real Estate

Despite the challenges posed by geopolitical developments, international construction particularly in the Middle East Area still presents opportunities for sustainable construction and real estate development in the light of climate change. Locally, infrastructure projects and real estate property developments continue to offer opportunities.

This session will look into our local construction industry's readiness and competitiveness to meet international and local demand in

- emphasizing sustainability and technological innovation

- exploring new sourcing strategies and supply chain partnerships

- building a strong local workforce

- diversifying revenue streams

- exploring alternative financing options

Invited/Confirmed Panel Members: Atty. Herbert D.G. Matienzo, Acting Executive Director of Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP); Ronaldo R. Elepaño, Jr., President of Philippine Constructors Association, Inc.; Ms. Anna Ma. Margarita B. Dy, President and CEO of Ayala Land, Inc.; Mr. Henry D. Antonio, President & Chief Executive Officer of EEI Corporation; Mr. Richard Raymundo, Managing Director of Colliers; Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)


12:30 – 2:00 Lunch


2:00 – 2:45. B4. E- commerce and Retail Sector


Global conflict can reshape the retail landscape. Retailers need to remain agile, adapt to changing conditions and strategically plan for uncertainties resulting from geopolitical conflicts.

Issues for discussion:

• E- commerce in the Philippines is becoming the dominant form of business in this digital stage, opening vast opportunities.

• Cybersecurity should be a major area of concern since this can be damaging to an organization's reputation and customers' trust. Recently, high profile state - sponsored large scale hacks appeared to target large retail stores and food chains.

• Geopolitical tensions can lead to disruption in the supply chain, affecting retailers' supply inventory

• Tariffs, sanctions and trade restrictions between conflicting country sources can suddenly increase the cost of imported goods or even pose challenge in supply

• Consumer behavior change during periods of global conflicts. Retailers need to adapt to changes in demand and reposition their product offerings

• Fluctuations in currency exchange rates due to global conflicts can affect retailers' currency risk

• Local retail sales can suddenly plummet as people prioritize essential goods and safety.

2:45 – 3:30.      B5. IT – BPO - Outsourcing


International trade policies and geopolitical tensions play a significant role in shaping the outsourcing landscape.

Issues for discussion:


Invited/Confirmed Panel Members: DTI; Mr. Jack Madrid, President and CEO of IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP); Mr. Red Paredes, President of BPO Services Association (BSA); Mr. John Maczynski, Co-founder & CEO of Cynergy BPO

3:30 – 4:00.    B6. SMEs


Geopolitical risks are now a constant reality in today's globalized world. In this session, focus will be on how SMEs can navigate these challenges.

Issues for discussion:


Invited/Confirmed Panel members: Ms. Emma C. Asusano, Director of Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Mr. Jose Ma. “Joey” A. Concepcion III, Founder of Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship–Go Negosyo and CEO/President of RFM Corporation



4:00 – 4:30        C. A Vision of the Coming Year for Business in the Philippines

Dr. Roberto F. de Ocampo, OBE

Chairman, Philippine Veterans Bank

Former Secretary of Finance