Bongbong Marcos eyes closer trade ties with Ethiopia, Peru
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with Peruvian Ambassador to the Philippines Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazán on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Photo from Presidential Communications Office.
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. received the credentials of the envoys from Peru and Ethiopia, telling them that he would like the Philippines to establish closer trade ties with both countries, Malacañang said on Wednesday.
Marcos told non-resident Peruvian Ambassador Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazán when she visited the Palace on Tuesday that the Philippines and Peru should collaborate further, as countries must look for new ways of doing business following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We can continue to do what we did before but we still have to find new ways. And I know that these partnerships that we build with our friends around the world will always benefit to both – mutually beneficial to our countries. And I hope that’s what we can do now,” Marcos told Bazán.
Bazán in turn said that nations should work together to tackle global challenges.
“The Philippines is a very important trade partner for us in the region. We are really looking forward to deepening that relationship,” Bazán said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with Ethiopian Ambassador to the Philippines Dessie Dalkie Dukamo on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Photo from Presidential Communications Office.
Meanwhile, Marcos said he also would like to forge stronger ties with Ethiopia.
“I think the whole world is very excited about— how most of Africa is positioned in terms of—now coming and emerging… as major economy, as they already are,” Marcos told non-resident Ethiopian Ambassador Dessie Dalkie Dukamo in a separate meeting in Malacañang.
Dukamo told Marcos that Ethiopia is an emerging economy in East Africa, with large potential in trade and investment.
“It’s geographically located bridging the Middle East and the rest of Africa and also Western countries. So, if Filipino businessmen come and invest in Ethiopia, it’s possible to take advantage of Africa market,” Dukamo said.
The Philippines established diplomatic ties with Ethiopia on February 7, 1977, while relations with Peru began on November 30, 1974.
