European ambassadors to explore trade, business opportunities in Southern PH

MANILA, Philippines — Several ambassadors and diplomats from Europe are set to attend the Davao Investment Conference to explore trade and business opportunities in Southern Philippines.

The conference, which will be held in Davao from Thursday to Friday, will be attended by Ambassadors Franz Jessen (European Union), Jozsef Bencze (Hungary), Saskia de Lang (Netherlands), Harald Fries (Sweden), Charges de Affaires, a.i. Mihai Sion (Romania) and Special Envoy to the EU Mr. Avelino Cruz, among others.

Diplomats from the embassy of Belgium and France will also attend the conference.

“Our visit is a reaffirmation of our commitment and willingness to identify possible investment ventures or trade partnerships between the EU and the Southern Philippines,” said Jessen, adding that the EU backs the government’s focus on rural and regional economic development, including regions such as Mindanao.

Jessen also expressed hopes that more European businesses would invest in the country, which could open more job opportunities to Filipinos.

“The EU continues to see the Philippines as a large, fast-growing market although there is further room for the latter to intensify and to mobilize EU traders and investors in line with the size and potential of the Philippine market,” Jessen said.

The ambassadors and diplomats are also expected to meet with Davao Mayor Sara Duterte for a courtesy meeting, as well as business leaders from Southern Mindanao Business Council, headed by Chairperson Tony Peralta, for further business discussions.

In 2018, almost €2 billion worth of Philippine products were exported to the member countries of the EU at zero tariffs.

Most of the products exported were agri-food products. (Editor: Eden Estopace)