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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos' upcoming European trip to bolster trade ties with Germany, Czech Republic—DFA

Marcos' upcoming European trip to bolster trade ties with Germany, Czech Republic—DFA

Published Mar 8, 2024 04:13 am

At A Glance

  • Algabre said aside from meeting high-ranking officials, the President will also attend business forums in both countries to invite prominent German and Czech business leaders to boost their presence in the Philippines.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said President Marcos' trip to Germany and the Czech Republic next week aims to bolster trade and investment ties with two Central European nations.

BBM Berlin Prague.jpg
Photos: berlin.de, PCO, prague.eu

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of European Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Elena Algabre said this ahead of Marcos' scheduled trip to Europe from March 11 to 15.

In a pre-departure briefing in Malacañan, Algabre said aside from meeting high-ranking officials, the President will also attend business forums in both countries to invite prominent German and Czech business leaders to boost their presence in the Philippines.

"[The visit] will focus on bolstering trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines, inviting German and Czech companies to increase their presence in the country," she said on Friday, March 8.

"He will meet with major companies intending to take advantage of the Philippines' continuing impressive economic performance and conducive economic investment environment," she added.

According to Algabre, while they are still in the process of finalizing the list of companies interested in investing in the Philippines, some of those who have expressed their interest are in the fields of renewable energy, manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, and innovation.

 


Agreements in Germany

 

Algabre said that while in Germany, President Marcos will witness the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on strengthening cooperation in the maritime sector, which will be signed by both countries' transportation agencies.

The JDI, which will be signed by both countries' transportation agencies, seeks to facilitate maritime trade and mobility of Philippine- and German-owned commercial vessels.

"You know very well that one-third of the seafarers around the world are Filipinos and a robust shipping industry in the Philippines will be good for the employment of Filipino seafarers," she said.

There will also be a signing of the cooperation program between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB). The program seeks to continue TESDA and BIBB's partnership on technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Marcos will be in Germany from March 12 to 13.

 


Agreements in the Czech Republic

 

According to Algabre, Marcos will witness the signing of a joint communique on the establishment of a labor consultations mechanism that aims to enhance cooperation between the Philippines and the Czech Republic for the safe and orderly migration of Filipino workers. It also aims to provide a higher protection of their rights and welfare.

She said the Czech Republic has expressed its interest in encouraging more skilled and professional Filipino workers to participate in the labor market.

"They have announced a yearly quota for Filipinos starting this May of 10,000 Filipinos may enter the Czech Republic for work," Algabre said, noting that there are currently approximately 7,000 Filipinos in the Czech Republic.

She added that European countries, particularly Germany and the Czech Republic, are interested in hosting Filipino workers due to their work ethic.

"They really appreciate the work ethic of our countrymen and their talent and skills. They do get a premium in terms of recruitment and benefits," Algabre said, noting that they are interested in hiring Filipinos in the tourism sector.

The President will be in the Czech Republic from March 14 to 15.

Related Tags

Bongbong Marcos PBBM in Europe PH-Germany Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) President Marcos PH-Czech Republic
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