Renewed cooperation and an estimated investment pledge of around PhP9.8 billion await the Philippines as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. concluded his successful participation to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – European Union (ASEAN-EU) Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium from December 11 – 14, 2022.
“I am delighted that my first official visit to Europe, in Brussels in particular, is a successful one and I can see how the outcomes of this visit would generate opportunities for the benefit of the Filipino people,” the Chief Executive expressed in his arrival statement at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on December 15, 2022.
During the Commemorative Summit, Leaders from the ASEAN and EU Member States focused on advancing the regional economic integration, post-pandemic recovery efforts and the adoption of the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action for 2023-2027 anchored in deepening cooperation between the regional blocs.
“We exchanged views on what is in store for ASEAN-EU cooperation, particularly on areas of mutual interest and concern such as connectivity, trade, digital transition, food security, climate change and geopolitics, among others,” President Marcos Jr. said.
He also highlighted the agenda of his meetings with European business leaders and communities, which generated fruitful outcomes in enhancing economic growth in areas of renewable energy, infrastructure, climate change initiatives, trade, investments and maritime cooperation.
“I am also looking forward to share more good news in the next few months that reaffirms the optimism with which how international investors view the Philippines today,” he remarked, adding that European business confidence in the country is high because of expansion plans from European companies.
Likewise, President Marcos Jr. met with leaders from the European Council, European Commission, Estonia, Sweden, Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Spain, which paved the way to ‘many possible areas of further development and future partnerships.’
