Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
15 December 2022
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. concluded his recent participation to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – European Union (ASEAN-EU) Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium on a high note as investment pledges worth PhP9.8 billion and renewed cooperation with EU countries await the Philippines.
In his arrival statement, the President expressed delight, saying his recent attendance to the Summit is a successful one and that the outcome of his official visit to Belgium ‘would generate opportunities for the benefit of the Filipino people’.
On the sidelines of his visit, he highlighted the positive results of his productive meetings with European business leaders which generated fruitful discussions in enhancing economic growth in the areas of renewable energy, infrastructure, climate change initiatives, trade, investment 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.
Together with his Economic Managers and Cabinet members, he also discussed with the European business communities and companies the country’s recent ‘game-changing laws aimed in transforming business environment for investors and support foreign direct investments’.
As the ASEAN’s country coordinator to the EU, President Marcos Jr. pushed for the regional bloc’s interest and the Philippines’ priorities anchored within the ASEAN-EU mutual cooperation. During the Summit proper, ASEAN and EU Leaders focused on advancing regional economic integration, post-pandemic recovery efforts and the adoption of the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action for 2023-2027.
“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. stated.
Likewise, the Chief Executive met with his counterparts from the European Council, European Commission, Estonia, Sweden, Czech Republic, Netherlands and Spain, which paved the way to ‘many possible areas of further development and future partnerships’.
This year, the ASEAN and EU is celebrating 45 years of Dialogue Relations based on shared values and commitment to rules-based international order, respect for international law and promotion of effective multilateralism.
* * *