PH Seeks to Expand Economic Relations with Kazakhstan

Philippine Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta (left) receives a traditional ceramic plate from Mr. Aryan Erenov, Chairman of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan after their meeting in Astana on February 22. Photo: J. Valdez

01 March 2018 ASTANA – The Philippines continues to pursue enhanced economic partnerships with non-traditional partners, following the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to diversify diplomatic and economic relations.

Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta visited the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan on February 22 to discuss  with its Chairman, Mr. Aryan Erenovand specific areas of cooperation between the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia and the largest economy in Central Asia.

Ambassador Sorreta said that for the Philippines to sustain its high economic growth, it needs to develop commercial relationships in untapped markets such as Kazakhstan. He also invited the Kazakh business community to invest in the Philippines, including in the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program of high-impact infrastructure projects.

Mr. Erenov agreed that there is a need to build closer ties between the two countries’ business sectors. He said that Kazakh businessmen are very much interested in the Philippines and that he will encourage them to explore investment opportunities in the country, particularly in energy and transportation.

“The Philippines drastically improved diplomatic and economic relations with Russia and it is only natural that the same is undertaken with former Soviet countries like Kazakhstan,” said Ambassador Sorreta. “Kazakhstan and Russia are both members of the Eurasian Economic Union and, because of their free-trade zone, our exports can reach one country via the other.”

Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world with a population of less than 20 million. The Philippines’ trade with the oil-rich Central Asian state exceeded five million dollars in 2017. END

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