EPILOgUE: OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE

The past 70 years of bilateral relations between the Philippines and France transpired in an era characterized by significant global historical changes. The end of World War II saw the rise of multilateral systems and institutions such as the United Nations as well as regional groupings such as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union. This period also bore witness to rapid and groundbreaking scientific and technological advances. It also ushered in the rise of Asia as an important political and economic region to reckon with.

The diversity between the Philippines and France appears to be wide but the past 70 years of bilateral relations have gradually narrowed the gap. There have also been a number of earlier historical ties that have reinforced bilateral relations. The reciprocal summit visits in the Philippines and France in 2014 and 2015 have generated momentum with various bilateral agreements signed and mechanisms instituted which have served to invigorate bilateral relations even further. However, there is still a lot of room to foster greater understanding with each other to nurture and build a partnership for the future.

The manifold challenges of the next 70 years are what both countries need to consider in charting a roadmap that could bring bilateral relations to an even higher plane. On the domestic front, the Philippines and France are both faced with the demands of improving their economies, social services, increasing employment, and strengthening social cohesion, among others. Globally, the

challenges of climate change, extremism and terrorism, and the adherence to international law continue to impact on their respective national discourses.

On a political level, the convening of the bilateral political consultation in December 2017 in Manila is an initial, singular excellent indication that joint cooperation is moving on various fronts.

The Philippines is a developing country in a resurgent Asia, pursuing an independent foreign policy. On the other hand, France is a developed country in Europe, which is a global political and economic power. Both countries operate under shared ideals of freedom and democracy. With the Philippines being one of the more vibrant democracies in Asia, the Philippines and France can forge and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest and common challenges particularly on the principles of multilateralism such as the fight against terrorism and its growing presence in cyberspace, and promoting environmental protection and sustainable development and migration among others.

Economically, the Philippines, with its consistently high growth rates and a growing market of more than 100 million people, has partnered with a number of French infrastructure companies and been host to many other French companies. Looking forward, economic relations between the Philippines and France are expected to benefit from each other's competitive advantages in specific sectors of interest. Economic cooperation has been moving strategically in areas such as aerospace, manufacturing, agribusiness, shared services, design, creative industries, and innovation, among others.

Being a center for design, food, aeronautics and technology, France will continue to be a global platform for these Philippine products and services to be featured in the international market. The Philippines, on the other hand, still up to this time, largely untapped by France, will play an important part in its internationalization efforts as France tries to reach out to the Asia Pacific region by banking on its growing supply chain and the expertise of the Philippine workforce.

Finally, it is in the area of people-to-people exchanges where cooperation is most dynamic and exciting. In the field of education, there is an increasing number of Filipino students pursuing studies in France because of the competitive advantage on tuition fees, increasing use of the English language as a medium of instruction and as a new center for higher education. There is likewise an increasing

number of French students who have undertaken internships and volunteer projects in the Philippines on social innovation and entrepreneurship, which will undoubtedly bring closer bonds and a better appreciation of the common challenges and opportunities that both countries face and hope to answer.

As the new generation of the Philippine diaspora in France continues to thrive, the second and third generation Filipino-French youth will hopefully serve as important bridges to promote a deeper understanding of both our cultures and peoples.

Indeed, the prospects for the next 70 years of Philippines-France relations cannot be anything but bright and promising.

LIST OF AgREEMENTS