The Philippines and the Netherlands enhanced their economic partnership with the inaugural meeting of the coordinating authorities under the PH-NL Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Economic and Technological Cooperation. The meeting took place on 19 September at the Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague with online participation of officials from the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Investment and Trade Relations (DTI-BITR).

Director Marie Sherylyn D. Aquia of the DTI-BITR is the Philippines’ coordinating authority, while Mr. Rogier van Tooren, Head of International Finance and Emerging Markets of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serves as the coordinating authority for the Netherlands.

In his remarks, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya described the MOU as a "vital pillar in the two countries’ relations, thus the Embassy has supported the idea to provide impetus to the MOU by the designation of coordinating authorities or focal persons, as provided under Article 4 of the MOU." He added that “the coordinating authorities will provide guidance and direction and boost the substantive discussions on bilateral economic relations."

Director Aquia underscored the Philippines’ robust and resilient economy which is attracting more investments and trade from various countries, including the Netherlands. She was joined in the meeting by Ms. Ma. Regina C. Serafico, Officer-in-Charge and Supervising Trade and Investment Development Specialist, and Ms. Lattice Angelique Andriano of Bilateral Relations Division-Europe Desk, both from the DTI - Bureau of International Trade Relations.

Mr. Van Tooren, meanwhile, stated that the robust engagements between the two countries’ private sectors underscore their “mature relationship,” with a number of mutual “value-added” aspects that can be further explored. He was accompanied by Mr. Yasin Ince, Senior Policy Officer of the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Commercial Counsellor Magnolia Misolas-Ashley made a presentation on proposed areas of cooperation with the Netherlands, notably in semiconductors and high-technology and renewable energy. Hague-based Trade and Investment Specialist Christine Barawid was also present at the meeting.

Accompanying Ambassador Malaya were First Secretary and Consul Nomer B. Ado II, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Marisar Ivy Cabatingan and Economic Assistant Elea Perez.

Signed in March 1995, the MOU on Economic and Technological Cooperation was entered into by both sides with the “desire to develop and intensify economic and technological co-operation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit,” notably in the areas of trade and investment, agriculture/agribusiness, transport and communication, energy, services sector, environmental technology and flood control/land reclamation, among others.

Senior officials of the two countries will meet in Manila on 26 September for the 3rd PH-NL Bilateral Consultations Meeting. // END