Philippine Conglomerates and Inclusive Development: Tracking a Unique Trajectory in Asia

Compared to their larger Asian counterparts, Philippine conglomerates have tracked a unique growth trajectory in the face of chronic poverty, economic inequality, and political conflict. While there are many studies about the zaibatsus of Japan and the chaebols of South Korea, there has been minimal research on Philippine conglomerates and their contributions to the successful turnaround of an economy that was once considered the region's perennial laggard.

In this collection of essays, the authors interrogate the relationship between conglomerates and inclusive development by highlighting the Philippine experience and comparing it with those of other Southeast and East Asian economies, notably Vietnam, Indonesia, and South Korea. Have Philippine conglomerates been central to the country's economic miracle? How have they contributed to the attainment of the government's inclusive development agenda? What can be learned from the successes and failures of other Asian conglomerates? These are the key themes this volume seeks to answer to shed light on how conglomerates have impacted the course of the country's economic development.