Chinabank 2025 Economic Forum: Sec. Recto says PH is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia Pacific
Hosts 2025 forum to guide clients in economic growth
Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto flanked by Chinabank’s President & CEO Romeo Uyan Jr. and Chairman Hans Sy
Chinabank conducted its 2025 economic forum on April 7 at the Makati Shangri-La as part of its commitment to arm clients with valuable information and guide them in making sound business and financial decisions.
Titled “Rising: Rooted in Strength, Growing in Adaptability,” the forum, organized by Chinabank's Financial Markets Segment, brought together economists and financial experts, led by Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto as the keynote speaker.
“At the heart of tonight’s discussion lies a powerful truth: the unwavering resilience of the Filipino people. Time and again, our nation has weathered storms with a spirit that refuses to be broken. It is this enduring strength, this uniquely Filipino adaptability, that allows us to not just survive, but to rise stronger amidst all the challenges,” CBC President & CEO Romeo Uyan Jr. said in his opening remarks.
He also reiterated the bank’s unwavering commitment to its stakeholders. “We will be here for you whether you intend to embark in new business ventures, or to expand your existing core franchises, just as we have been doing for the last 105 years. Chinabank. Steady. Stable. Rising. And always Focused on You.”
Sec. Recto thanked Chinabank for being a strong partner of the country, noting that “the economy, at its core, is a matter of trust. It is about the pact we make with each other: that when a Filipino dares to dream, there is a system strong enough to help him achieve it.”
With fiscal consolidation on track and game-changing business reforms in place, the DOF Chief affirmed that “the Philippines is at its most promising economic momentum.”
“We are one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific—not just when times are good, but even in the face of tough global challenges such as trade wars and high inflation and high interest rates,” he said, noting that since 2022, the economy has grown by an average of 6%. “International organizations continue to project above 6% growth in the coming years.”
He also shared key insights into the country’s rosy future prospects, including the likely credit rating upgrade of the Philippines to an A-rating before the end of the PBBM administration, becoming the13th largest consumer market in the world by 2030, the growth of public-private partnerships, and the implementation of growth-enhancing and business-friendly reforms to make the economy more competitive, create more jobs, and improve lives.
"Because only then can we truly define our shared success—this means lifting 8 million more Filipinos out of the poverty line by the end of President Marcos, Jr.’s term. With strong partners like Chinabank, I am confident that we can get there—even sooner than expected,” Sec. Recto said.
The over 200 Chinabank clients at the exclusive event also heard from industry leaders and the bank’s experts first-hand. SM Investments Corporation Group Economist Robert Dan Roces and COL Financial Chief Equity Strategist April Lee-Tan joined Chinabank Treasurer and Treasury Group Head Rowel Salazar and Chinabank Securities Research Director Rastine Mercado in a panel discussion, moderated by broadcast journalist Rico Hizon, on how the Philippine economy is impacted by global issues in the business sector, financial markets, and equities market. French Baker Inc. CEO Johnlu Koa shared his personal experiences in building a business and offered valuable strategies to aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs in a fireside chat with Chinabank Markets Sales Group Head Bernhard Tsai.
he over 200 Chinabank clients at the exclusive event also heard from industry leaders and the bank’s experts first-hand. SM Investments Corporation Group Economist Robert Dan Roces and COL Financial Chief Equity Strategist April Lee-Tan joined Chinabank Treasurer and Treasury Group Head Rowel Salazar and Chinabank Securities Research Director Rastine Mercado in a panel discussion, moderated by broadcast journalist Rico Hizon, on how the Philippine economy is impacted by global issues in the business sector, financial markets, and equities market. French Baker Inc. CEO Johnlu Koa shared his personal experiences in building a business and offered valuable strategies to aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs in a fireside chat with Chinabank Markets Sales Group Head Bernhard Tsai.
Chinabank is the fourth largest private universal bank in the Philippines and a member of the SM Group. Focused on helping its customers achieve their goals, the bank holds economic briefings to provide clients with strategic economic and market insights, empower them to make better financial decisions, and help them successfully navigate the changing business landscape.
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