Netherlands Designates Focal Person to Strengthen Economic Ties with the Philippines

Manila — The Netherlands is set to appoint a focal person to work in collaboration with the Philippine government to advance trade relations and amplify Dutch investments in the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, this commitment was made during a meeting between Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Monday. Malaya emphasized that while there have been ongoing joint bilateral consultations focused primarily on political and security cooperation, there has been a need for stronger economic collaboration between the two nations.

Malaya further stated that the Netherlands recognizes the ‘enormous potential’ of the Philippines and is interested in enhancing cooperation in areas such as water management, agriculture, and the circular economy. During the meeting in Manila, both nations agreed to explore these sectors more closely. Ambassador Malaya also mentioned the involvement of Royal Boskalis Westminster NV, a leading Dutch dredging and land reclamation company, in the construction of the New Manila International Airport. This project represents the largest contract in the company’s history.

In addition to areas like water management and agriculture, the Netherlands is looking to deepen cooperation with the Philippines on cybersecurity and maritime affairs. Malaya said, “They have a special strength in the law of the sea, so they are reaching out to the Philippines to do exchanges in this field. We are looking, in fact, at some projects with them on maritime affairs and the law of the sea.”