26 March 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Budapest participated in a seminar titled, “Indonesia and the Philippines: Gateways to South-East Asia” on March 19. The seminar was jointly organized by the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI), the EU-Indonesia Business Network (EIBN) and the EU-Philippines Business Network (EPBN).

Ms. Patricia V. Barrera, First Secretary and Chargé d’affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Budapest, delivered the remarks of Philippine Ambassador to Hungary Eleanor L. Jaucian. This is the second time that the Philippine Embassy participated in a seminar organized by the HCCI, following the ‘Business Opportunities in the Philippines’ interactive seminar on 10 October 2014.

Director General Attila Kali of the Asia-Pacific Department at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) gave a briefing on Hungarian-ASEAN political and economic relations.

Mr. Valerio Mazzone of EPBN in Manila gave a presentation on the Philippines, while Ms. Chloe Martinez of EIBN in Jakarta gave the presentation on Indonesia.

The speakers highlighted the opportunities for Hungarian businesses in the Philippines due to its stable political and economic climate, large consumer base, increasing disposable income, and openness to foreign products.  The audience was also reminded that both Indonesia and the Philippines are major players in ASEAN and can serve as gateways for the ASEAN Economic Community. END