Message from the German Embassy

As the world has successfully overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the Philippine government has shifted to economic recovery and growth. President Marcos Jr. and the new administration are sending energizing signals on reviving and intensifying trade & business relations with relevant and trusted partners, as well as on advocating for foreign investments in the Philippines – which increasingly attracts the attention also of the German business sector.

Modernization and development of many economic sectors, such as energy supply, infrastructure and logistics development, as well as agriculture and digitization are urgently needed in order to achieve the ambitious targets of the Philippine government. This huge demand offers ample opportunities for German engagement.

Through high-level dialogues with the business community, the investment climate in the Philippines has improved considerably, making it an attractive destination for both local and foreign investors. A number of reforms has recently been and is currently being implemented to improve market access, investments and transparency, paving the way for sustained and inclusive economic growth and prosperity.

The Philippines is actively reaching out to international partners and has demonstrated its commitment to free trade, rule of law and safeguarding of the international rules-based order. The Philippine government’s efforts in the framework of the UN Joint Program on Human Rights in order to improve the human rights situation in the country is an important component in our overall bilateral relations. Also with regard to free trade, the country is choosing the collaborative approach as evidenced by the recent ratification of RCEP.

As GPCCI is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, I am grateful for the dedicated work of and partnership with GPCCI, which has played a vital role in promoting and strengthening economic relations between Germany and the Philippines. Together, we look forward to continuing our close and fruitful collaboration in the future.

I would like to congratulate GPCCI on its considerable achievements, including the successful Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business in Singapore in 2022, where a delegation of GPCCI participated in the meeting of the Ministers of Economic Affairs of our two countries, Minister Habeck and Secretary Pascual. The Chamber also organized an Economic Briefing in Frankfurt, in which Philippine Secretaries and the Governor of the Central Bank advocated for investments in the Philippines to German business representatives. Press and Media covered or mentioned GPCCI over 100 times in 2022. The newly founded Advocacy Committee will certainly raise GPCCI’s profile even more.

GPCCI has been again instrumental to successfully promote the strengthening of the German-Philippine economic relations in a variety of ways: It received and processed over 300 inquiries from business and executed two business mission from Germany. Together with the embassy it hosted the GPCCI’s German Ambassador’s Cup 2022 whose proceeds were donated to a social cause. Together, we also organised events for companies such as economic forums and visa-information workshops.

I am delighted to see the progress that has been achieved, as well as the re-start of dynamic and promising business relations since the end of the pandemic. I am confident that this cooperation will continue to yield significant benefits for both Germany and the Philippines.

H.E. Anke Reiffenstuel Ambassador German Embassy Manila