BERLIN – Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has articulated a vision for fortified bilateral relations with Germany, emphasizing enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, labor, and maritime areas following his discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos lauded the productive dialogue with Chancellor Scholz, expressing eagerness to expand the two nations' partnership across various sectors. He emphasized the Philippines' intent to elevate economic cooperation, pinpointing specific industries such as manufacturing, construction, IT and business process management, innovation and startups, and renewable energy.
Highlighting recent legal reforms in the Philippines that facilitate foreign investment, including full ownership in key sectors, Marcos portrayed his country as an increasingly appealing investment destination. He underscored the Philippines' robust economic fundamentals, diverse labor market, and the pivotal role of remittances from overseas Filipino workers in sustaining domestic consumption.
Germany stands as a crucial economic ally for the Philippines, being its 11th trading partner in 2023 and a significant source of foreign direct investment. Marcos acknowledged the longstanding presence of German enterprises, like Siemens and Lufthansa, in the Philippines, signaling a commitment to fostering deeper economic ties.
In the realm of labor cooperation, Marcos welcomed Germany's interest in engaging a broader spectrum of Filipino skilled workers and professionals. The two nations are advancing towards finalizing a memorandum of agreement to facilitate such placements, reinforcing the commitment to the welfare and rights of Filipino workers abroad.
The president also expressed satisfaction over Germany's growing interest in maritime cooperation, anticipating future collaborations beyond training to encompass cybersecurity and maritime domains. He valued Germany's enduring role in training the Armed Forces of the Philippines and supporting the Philippine Coast Guard, reflecting on the recent Joint Declaration of Intent on maritime cooperation signed between the two nations.
Additionally, both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to a rules-based international order, with Marcos appreciating Germany's support for the 1982 UNCLOS. The discussions also touched on global security issues, including the conflict in Ukraine, where Marcos advocated for a peaceful resolution, mindful of the significant Filipino population in the Middle East.
Lastly, the bilateral talks covered climate cooperation, with Marcos commending Germany's leadership in climate finance and expressing the Philippines' interest in hosting the board of the Loss and Damage Fund, a key outcome of COP28.