Swiss-PH cooperation in 'Build, Build, Build' program eyed
By Roy Mabasa
Even with little exchange of information, Switzerland sees the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration as a “unique opportunity” to showcase Swiss innovation and possible infrastructure cooperation between Bern and Manila.
Swiss Ambassador Alain Gaschen highlighted this potential in a forum organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines and its partners on June 16, 2021 entitled “Philippines and Switzerland: Investing Together for a Better Future”.
With Switzerland having one of the most impressive rail network systems in the world, Gaschen noted that infrastructure development is a potential area for growth.
He said the Swiss Embassy, with its representation at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), had initial talks with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and explored various mechanisms for interested Swiss companies to participate.
The forum, which was organized in preparation for the 4th Joint Economic Trade Commission (JETC), was attended by representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Board of Investments (BOI), Philippine – Swiss Business Council (PSBC), Swiss Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Swiss – Asian Chamber of Commerce, and the Switzerland Global Enterprise.
“This forum aptly reflects what our two countries have been doing to promote our bilateral economic, trade and investment relations”, the top Swiss diplomat in Manila said.
On clean technology and renewable energy, Gaschen said the Embassy continues to reach out to Swiss companies in the Philippines to promote their efforts, build more awareness in communities, and renew its commitment to sustainable energy.
A separate session on investment opportunities was also held, with Department of Energy (DOE) Director Mylene Capongcol pitching the potentials in upstream development, generation, retail, transmission, and distribution.
In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Swiss pharmaceutical firms have played an important role in the government’s fight against Covid-19 and continue to support the distribution of vaccines, life-saving medicines, and other health solutions.
The Embassy said the Swiss government is continuing its dialogue with DTI, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide easier access to critical medicines as well as support the campaign in making the Philippines a clinical trial hub in Southeast Asia.
Gaschen acknowledged the potential for growth in agriculture, noting that fresh and high-quality produce from the Philippines could find a suitable market in Switzerland.
“This is on top of our continuous encouragement of Filipino farmers working on natural ingredients, processed food, and natural fiber and textile sectors to make use of our free trade agreement for easier market access and wider business expansion”, he said.
The Swiss envoy also emphasized the importance of cooperation in science and technology in maintaining economic success, citing the use of satellite and data analytics for crop insurance, new innovations in mitigating the effects of climate change, energy research, and more research and development in the high-value manufacturing industry.
At the heart of the two countries’ engagement, according to Gaschen, is the Philippine- European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement (PH – EFTA FTA), especially as the Philippines and Switzerland will be celebrating its 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.