The Philippines had an economy based on agriculture and exports prior to WWII. After independence in 1946, the Philippines remained dependent on trade with the US until implementing policies in the 1970s to encourage manufacturing exports and foreign investment, though debt and recessions caused problems. The economy suffered under Ferdinand Marcos' crony capitalism and mismanagement until reforms in the 1980s-1990s privatized industries and liberalized the economy, though corruption and crises slowed growth. Current policies aim to improve infrastructure and competitiveness.