PH Takes Part in German Global Trade Forum Berlin
Philippine Ambassador to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega delivers remarks at the online forum and discussions. (Berlin PE photo)
BERLIN 26 August 2020 – Philippine Ambassador to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega was one of the Keynote Speakers at a virtual session on “Europe, Asia and the World – Global Politics and Business 2020 – Following the Course of the Sun” organized by the German Global Trade Forum Berlin on 25 August 2020.
Aside from Ambassador Dizon-De Vega, resource persons from Thailand, China, Russia, Hong Kong, Italy, and the McArthur Foundation also shared their views on the way forward for Europe and Asia in a post-pandemic scenario. Over 40 people attended the online session.
Ambassador Dizon-De Vega gave an overview on how the Philippines is coping with the pandemic, specifically on its efforts to balance public health concerns with rebuilding the economy. She outlined the macroeconomic picture in the country, emphasizing its sound economic and monetary fundamentals and its move to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable sectors and industries.
She likewise mentioned the government’s efforts to rapidly resume work on infrastructure projects under the flagship Build Build Build program, as well as the “bright spots” or emerging sectors in the economy, ranging from growth in the agricultural sector, the end of a months-long remittances drop, the upgrading and maintenance of the Philippines’ credit ratings, and improvements, which began in June, in the manufacturing, export, and import sectors.
The Philippines also assured the session of its continued efforts to promote an atmosphere of openness and cooperation with the global economic community at this challenging time, citing its active engagement in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), among others.
On the bilateral side, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega enumerated efforts to remain engaged with the Philippines’ German partners, both in the public and private spheres. She noted that the Philippines and Germany are set to convene the inaugural meeting of the Joint Economic Committee this year to increase economic activities between the two countries. She also outlined areas of possible cooperation in innovation, digitization, COVID-19 cooperation, construction and infrastructure, power and energy, aviation, technical-vocational education and training, and human resources.
The Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Berlin (PTIC) was likewise represented at the virtual session. END
For more information, visit https://www.berlinpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.de or https://www.facebook.com/PHinGermany.