10 July 2013 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario met with Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Jean Asselborn in Luxembourg on July 08 to renew bilateral ties with Luxembourg and promote trade and investment between the two countries.  Minister Asselborn previously visited the Philippines in 2008.

Noting the favorable performance of the Philippine economy and the continuing relative strength of Luxembourg amidst weakness in other Eurozone economies, both officials agreed to invigorate economic and business cooperation in the fields of trade, investments and tourism.

The Secretary conveyed the Philippines’ readiness to have negotiations on a Tax Information Exchange Agreement with Luxembourg,  while also recognizing that an Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation is mutually beneficial and investor-friendly.

Secretary del Rosario asked Luxembourg to recognize Philippine-issued accounting degrees in Luxembourg, noting that Filipino accountants are sought after in many countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.  There are about 30 Filipino accountants in Luxembourg, one of Europe’s major financial centres.

The Secretary apprised the top Luxembourg Foreign Ministry official of developments in Mindanao particularly the signing of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and the progress being done on the annexes.

Minister Asselborn expressed his appreciation for the Secretary’s visit and affirmed Luxembourg’s commitment to further strengthening relations.  Both officials agreed on exchanges of economic missions in the near future.

Minister Asselborn hosted lunch in honor of Secretary del Rosario which was attended by key officials of the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy and External Trade, and Chamber of Commerce.  The Secretary was accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Head of the Philippine Mission to the European Union Victoria S. Bataclan, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson, DFA Office of European Affairs Executive Director Marichu Mauro and officials from the Philippine Embassy in Belgium which has jurisdiction over Luxembourg. END