02 November 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to Spain Carlos C. Salinas visited the city of Alicante on Ocober 26 to promote trade and investment with the business sector of the second largest province of the Comunidad Autonoma de Valencia. The event was co-organized with the Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation of Alicante.
The Ambassador and his spouse, Mrs. Isabelita T. Salinas, first paid a courtesy call on the Alicante City Mayor Gabriel Echavarrí. Ambassador Salinas informed the Mayor that the Philippines has recently re-opened its Honorary Consulate Office in Valencia which also covers the province of Alicante. Ambassador Salinas expressed confidence that, with the re-opening of Consulate General in Valencia, the Embassy can conduct more economic, tourism and cultural activities in the Comunidad Autónoma de Valencia. Mayor Echavarrí expressed his strong support to the efforts of the Embassy to further strengthen relations between the Philippines and Alicante.
Ambassador Salinas then delivered a presentation that highlighted the potential of the Philippines as a gateway for Europe to Southeast Asia with the forthcoming establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community. He strongly emphasized that the strategic geographic location of the Philippines, as well as its historical and cultural ties with Spain, will certainly make it easy for Spanish companies to establish business in the Philippines.
After the presentation, the Ambassador held a meeting with the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. José Enrique Garrigós Ibáñez. The Ambassador expressed his appreciation to the President for the opportunity to present the country to the business community in Alicante. Mr. Garrigós emphasized to the Ambassador that his office believes that the Philippine economic standing today offers a strong potential for the businessmen in Alicante, and it is such an opportunity that should not be missed. Both the Ambassador and the President agreed to conduct more activities to strengthen the relations between the business sectors in the Philippines and Alicante. END