Germany extends support to Philippines-EU FTA negotiation

“That was… what we in Germany really pushed for. We pushed the information to do this and our business people here are very keen on really exploring new possibilities and new ideas and new business opportunities both ways, of course, not just for the German industry here but also for the Philippine industry in Germany,” new German ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, who presented his credentials to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently, said.

“So, I think there is a real promising path that lies ahead. And as you said, people-to-people relations are already strong and they might become even stronger once we exchange even more skilled workers from the Philippines to Germany, also Germans coming to the Philippines. So strong ties we already do have, we might even foster in the years to come. And I think that is the basis for good relations,” he was quoted as saying in an official release.

Apart from cooperating on trade and investment, the President and the German ambassador agreed to collaborate further on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Germany remained the Philippines’ 12th largest trading partner, 10th export market and 15th import supplier (January-October) last year.

The Philippines’ total trade with Germany reached $4.7 billion last year, with $2.8 billion in exports and $1.9 billion in imports. It is also the country’s top trading partner in the EU.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)