FMM Business Mission to Zamboanga City and Manila Explores Trade, Investment and Business Opportunities in the Philippines from September 6-9,2026

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) successfully organised a Business Mission to Zamboanga City and Manila, Philippines, from September 6-9, 2026, comprising 15 delegates from 12 Malaysian companies. The mission was led by FMM President, Mr Jacob Lee Chor Kok, accompanied by Ms Norjamin G. Delos Reyes, Commercial Counsellor, Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Kuala Lumpur; FMM Sabah Chairman, Mr Liaw Hen Kong; FMM Council Member, Mr James Ha Haw Yew; and FMM Sabah Branch Vice-Chairman, Mr Ho Shi Yin.

The mission aimed to provide Malaysian businesses with greater exposure to the Philippine market and explore potential opportunities for trade, investment and business cooperation, particularly in Zamboanga City and the wider Mindanao region.

The delegation received a warm welcome from the City Government of Zamboanga, including a networking dinner hosted in honour of the delegation by Hon. Khymer Adan T. Olaso, Mayor of Zamboanga City. The programme also provided the delegation with an overview of Zamboanga City’s business environment, investment potential and connectivity, complemented by a local market scanning exercise to observe consumer trends, retail activities and the availability of products and brands in the local market.

The programme included a visit to ZC E & L Corporation, a Zamboanga-based company engaged in fishing, fish processing and canned food manufacturing. The visit provided first-hand exposure to the company’s operations and production capabilities, as well as an opportunity to exchange views on the industry landscape and potential areas of business cooperation. The delegation also passed by Zamboanga Port, gaining an overview of the city’s maritime and logistics infrastructure and its role in supporting regional trade and connectivity.

At the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority and Freeport (ZAMBOECOZONE), the delegation received an investment briefing covering its business ecosystem, investment opportunities and key development programmes, followed by a site tour.

The programme further featured a B2B Business Matching and Networking Session with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region IX and regional business chambers, providing Malaysian companies with an avenue to connect with local businesses and explore potential areas of collaboration.

The mission provided valuable exposure to Zamboanga City’s business, investment and market landscape, while strengthening connections between Malaysian companies and local government and industry stakeholders. FMM remains committed to facilitating international business linkages and supporting Malaysian companies in exploring new markets and developing strategic partnerships across the region.