The Netherlands has expressed optimism about investing in the Philippines following the increased cooperation on agrifood, digitalization and water management between the two countries.
At a business forum in the Netherlands last week, Dutch Foreign Affairs Deputy Director General for International Economic Relations Peter Potman said both countries "can look forward to exciting opportunities" that will result from strengthened cooperation in such fields.
"It is clear that there has never been a better time for the Philippines and the Netherlands to strengthen ties," Potman said.
Organized by various Philippine agencies, the forum served as the reintroduction to the Netherlands of the Philippines and its robust economy under the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya said in his opening remark.
The event was held at a more opportune time following the bilateral meeting between Marcos and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Brussels at the sidelines of the ASEAN-EU Summit.
"We are ready to make it happen for you in the Philippines," Malaya reiterated Marcos' pronouncement.
Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, the event's keynote speaker, cited economic sustainability and connectivity as the two pillars that will drive the future of the two countries' bilateral economic relations.
"Even if our countries are far from one another in terms of proximity, the Philippines and the Netherlands share the same aspirations—a sustainable, resilient and inclusive economic growth through food security and development of green ecosystems," he said.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands was ranked as among the Philippines' five top investor countries, and the number one among the 28 EU Member Countries.
Around 150 Dutch companies are based in the Philippines, including ING Bank, Friesland Campina (joint venture partner of Alaska Milk Corp.) and Unilever.