STRONGER TRADE TIES. Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (left) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz deliver their joint statement shortly after their bilateral meeting at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, Germany on Tuesday (March 12, 2024). Marcos expressed optimism that the Philippines and Germany would have stronger and deeper trade and investment, labor, and maritime cooperation. (PCO photo)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed optimism that the Philippines and Germany would have stronger and deeper trade and investment, labor, and maritime cooperation.
Marcos bared that he had a “productive and insightful” meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during their bilateral meeting at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, Germany.
“We will continue to work on other agreements across various areas of cooperation, and look forward to their conclusion in the near future,” he said in a joint statement with Scholz.
“I eagerly anticipate the continuation of our strong partnership for another 70 years or more. With confidence, I believe we can deepen our relationship and collaborate for the mutual prosperity of both our countries.”
The President said the Philippines is keen on taking to new heights its economic collaboration with Germany, citing Manila’s interest in forging cooperation in the areas of manufacturing; construction and infrastructure; information technology and business process management; innovation and startups; and renewable energy and minerals processing.
He said investing in the Philippines is “now a more attractive option,” considering the legal reforms that allow full foreign ownership in certain sectors, such as railways, airports, expressways, telecommunications, and renewable energy.
He also noted the Philippines’ strong economic outlook and economic dynamism “driven by strong domestic consumption, supported by a diverse labor market, a growing services industry, and remittances from our overseas workers.”
“Germany was the Philippines’ 11th trading partner in 2023 and has been a major source of foreign direct investment. We welcome the presence of notable German companies to our country that have been there for a while, such as Siemens, Lufthansa, Deutsche Bank, Bayer, and Bosch, amongst others,” Marcos said. “We continue to find ways to build upon our strong economic collaboration, taking it to new heights.”
Protecting overseas Filipino workers
Marcos also welcomed Germany’s interest in expanding its labor cooperation with the Philippines to include other Filipino skilled workers and professionals.
He said both countries are working towards the conclusion of the Memorandum of Agreement on the placement of skilled workers and other professionals.
The Philippines, he said, is committed to ensuring the protection of the rights and welfare of Filipinos working overseas.
“We also recognized the important contribution of Filipino health care workers and the other Overseas Filipino Workers to the culture and the economy of Germany. Towards this end, our countries have signed the renewal of the Cooperation Programme between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training during my visit here in Germany,” Marcos said.
Enhanced maritime cooperation
The President also expressed elation over Germany’s increased interest in enhancing its maritime cooperation with the Philippines, saying he expects more initiatives to elevate the two nations’ partnership in the particular sector.
He said the Philippines is open to discussions on cooperation “that go beyond training” and into new areas, such as cyber and maritime domains.
“On defense cooperation, Germany has been providing training for the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines since 1974, making Germany the second oldest formal defense partner of the Philippines,” Marcos said.
He likewise expressed appreciation for Germany’s continued support for the capacity-building of the Philippine Coast Guard, noting that the Joint Declaration of Intent on Strengthening Cooperation in the Maritime Sector was signed between the two countries before he arrived in Berlin.
Rules-based international order
Meanwhile, Marcos said he and Scholz, as “like-minded partners,” reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the rules-based international order.
He also thanked Scholz for Germany’s staunch support for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Our shared commitment to international law strengthens our partnership and creates a favorable atmosphere for working together on global issues,” he said.
“I reiterated that the Philippines remains committed to addressing issues through dialogue and consultation, yet the Philippines, like any sovereign state, will continue to firmly defend its sovereignty, its sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, in accordance with international law.”
Marcos said he also emphasized with Scholz the Philippines’ position to urge all parties concerned in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to seek a “peaceful and diplomatic” resolution.
He added that he also expressed the Philippine government’s concern over the 2 million Filipinos present in the Middle East, stressing that his administration “continues to urge all parties to exert restraint to prevent escalation and to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
Climate cooperation
Marcos said he also discussed with Scholz the importance of cooperation between the two nations to mitigate the impact of climate change.
The cooperation, he said, is also “a significant facet of the partnership between the Philippines and Germany.”
“I thank Germany for its leadership and commitment in the field of Climate Finance and its strong support for the Loss and Damage Fund created at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai last year. I conveyed the Philippines’ bid to host the Loss and Damage Fund (Board) in the Philippines,” Marcos said. (PNA)
