Business Opportunities in PH Highlighted at the Ambassador’s Talk at University of Groningen

Left photo: Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya during his presentation at the well-attended “Ambassador’s Talk” forum organized by the University of Groningen. (The Hague PE photos)

THE HAGUE, 28 February 2023 – The Philippines as one of the most dynamic economies in the Indo-Pacific region and that also offers great business opportunities for Dutch companies were highlighted by Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya during his presentation at the well-attended “Ambassador’s Talk” forum organized by the University of Groningen, in partnership with the Embassy of Indonesia and the ASEAN Committee in The Hague (ACTH) on 22 February 2023 at the University’s Academy Building. 

“These bright prospects are anchored on the economy’s strong performance - 7.6% GDP growth in 2022, the best annual performance of the country since 1976,” the Ambassador said.

“The ASEAN and EU also have a dynamic and multifaceted partnership, which covers political security, economic, environmental, climate and socio-cultural issues as well as connectivity, and the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership is one of the most important for ASEAN,” Ambassador Malaya added. 

The other ASEAN diplomats who visited Groningen and delivered presentations were Ambassador Mayerfas of Indonesia, Deputy Chief of Mission Dr. Mohd Norshiyam Mohd Yusof of Malaysia, on behalf of Ambassador Nadzirah Binti Osman, current chair of the ACTH, and Deputy Chief of Mission Chonvipat Changtrakul of Thailand, on behalf of Ambassador Chatri Archjananun.

The ASEAN diplomats were warmly welcomed by the University President Prof. Dr. Jouke de Vries, and other officials, namely Dean Johan Woltjer of Spatial Sciences, Prof. Ronald Holzhacker of Multilevel Governance and Regional Structure, Director Mervin Bakker of International Strategy and Relations, and Policy Advisor on Oceania John Falvey. 

Ambassador Malaya also commended the University’s Financial Study Association in Groningen (FSAG) for choosing the Philippines as the focus of their project “International Financial Program in 2023.” The project explores and assesses opportunities for Dutch businesses in the fields of maritime and logistics, energy, agri-food, and information technology-business process outsourcing, among others (https://www.ifpgroningen.nl/philippines). 

Twenty economics and business senior students and a supervising professor will travel to the Philippines in mid-April and will conduct research interviews with various companies in Metro Manila for 2 weeks. 

Ambassador Malaya took the occasion to make a book donation to the University of Groningen, which include the Dutch translations of Jose Rizal’s novels “El Filibusterismo” (De Revolutie: Een Filipijnse Roman) and “Noli Me Tangere” (Raak Me Niet Aan!) by Mr. Gerard Arp, and the Embassy’s publications  “Crossroads: A Compendium of Agreements between the Philippines and the Netherlands, 1951 to 2021” and “Philippines-Netherlands @ 70 : Reconstructing History and Forging Ahead. He also donated two books he wrote, namely “Philippine Treaties in Force 2020” and “Stewards of the Nation: Aguinaldo to Duterte and their Inaugural Visions.”

Filipino students at the University of Groningen were among those who were present at the program. 

The International Financial Program offers high quality research conducted by senior students of the University of Groningen. IFP is part of the Financial Study Association Groningen with 1500 members and considered one of the most active professional student associations in the Netherlands. 

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen. It is the second oldest in the country and one of the most traditional and prestigious universities in the Netherlands. It is among the global top 100 in the field of research (https://www.rug.nl/). END

Ambassador Malaya and Professor Dr. Jouke de Vries. (The Hague PE photo)

Filipino students at the University of Groningen. (The Hague PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.thehaguepe.dfa.gov.ph or  https://www.facebook.com/PHinTheNetherlands/.