03 December 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon reported that it participated in  Portugal´s biggest trade and investment fair, Exportador 2013 last November 27 at the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa. The annual event now on its eighth edition was hosted by the Associação Industrial Portuguesa (AIP), the umbrella organization for business companies in Portugal and was participated in by 37 Embassies and 11 sectoral and regional business associations.

The fair served as a venue for companies to expand their networks and search for possible business partners through pre-determined and arranged meetings in rooms provided by the organizer. The one-day event also featured country presentations and thematic discussions on a wide range of issues on doing business in Portugal and financial services for investors and businessmen.

The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon represented by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Rogelio Villanueva, Jr. and Honorary Consul Manuel Pinheiro, held a series of meetings with Portuguese businessmen and foreign companies based in Portugal to explore possible business opportunities. Mr. Villanueva pointed to the improved business climate and investor confidence in the Philippines as shown by recent ratings upgrade received by the country. He said that despite the damaging effects of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in some parts of the country, the Philippines is poised to continue its upward movement in terms of competitiveness and ease of doing business.

Aside from participating in the annual Exportador fair, the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon continues to act as a bridge for Portuguese companies to connect with Filipino businessmen for trade and investment opportunities for both sides. END