The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) said potential Chinese investors are avoiding the Philippines due to uncertainty regarding the bilateral relationship, even though many of them are currently seeking alternatives to Indonesia, according to a report from BusinessWorld.
The industry group noted that while Indonesia’s export ban on nickel ore has driven Chinese firms to look elsewhere for supply, the Philippines’ strained political ties with China are deterring investment. PNIA officials said the lack of a stable investment climate has made the country less competitive compared to other nickel-producing nations.
The Philippines is one of the world’s top nickel producers, but the sector has faced challenges from policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks. The PNIA called for improved diplomatic relations to attract the capital needed to develop the country’s mineral resources.