DTI recognizes Germany's contribution in industrial advancement
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) emphasized on Thursday, Nov. 16, the role of Germany in advancing its industrialization strategy and fostering innovation and efficiency within its industries.
DTI Undersecretary Maria Blanca Kim Lokin said at the opening day of the German–Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GPCCI) Mabuhay Germany at the World Trade Center in Pasay City that this event "symbolizes not just a showcase of technological advancement, but it has commended the shared commitment of our nations to shape a future that is not only prosperous but sustainable."
She said that the Industries 4.0 pilot factory showcases the DTI’s commitment to Industry 4.0, which promotes innovation and efficiency through demonstrations and case applications of industrial technologies.
She added that the Philippine government extends its collaboration with Germany in its digitization initiatives which is further solidified by Germany’s industrial technology conglomerate Siemens as the country’s “valued partner in this groundbreaking venture.”
Lokin highlighted that the Philippines’ information technology – business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) “also stands poised to assist in achieving Germany's digitization objectives,” through its “globally-recognized” offerings.
“This cooperation is not merely a bilateral opportunity. It signifies a convergence of our strengths for technological advancements, paving the way for an interconnected digital future,” she added.
In 2022, Germany ranked as the Philippines' 12th trading partner, 10th export market, and 19th source of global investment, while also being the Philippines' first export market destination and second GPS+ export market destination in the European Union (EU).
These statistics, according to the DTI official, demonstrate strong economic ties between nations, paving the way for future collaboration with Germany to continue negotiations for the Philippines in trade.
Lokin emphasized that the Philippine-EU free trade agreement (FTA) remains a key priority in the trade agenda, citing that the Philippine government and the European Commission are currently conducting stock-taking exercises, potentially indicating the possibility of PH-EU FTA negotiations early next year.
Similarly, Lokin highlighted a significant development with the recent approval by the EU Parliament of the Commission’s proposal to extend the generalized system of preferences plus (GSP+) scheme until December 2027, providing both nations a continued framework for mutually beneficial trade, fostering economic growth and stability.
Last year, the Philippine exports to Germany, utilizing the GSP plus preferences reached EU505 million.
Further, Lokin underscored the Philippines' immense potential for green metals processing, stressing that the country aims to become Germany's strategic partner for processing critical minerals for electric vehicles and production sectors.
“With these abundant resources of nickel, cobalt, and copper, the Philippines is poised to contribute significantly to the global shift towards greener technologies,” she said.
“Let's work together to be a catalyst for innovation, cooperation, and a sustainable future that benefits not only our nations, but the world at large,” Lokin concluded.