France – Philippines Business Forum: Strengthen partnerships and create opportunities
French Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, with French Embassy Philippines, French Foreign Trade Advisor, Philippine French Business Council, Makati Business Club and Ministry of Trade and Industry successfully held the France-Philippine Business Forum on Friday, April 11, 2025 in Fairmont Makati.
The event brought together a wide variety of business leaders to discuss major French-Philippine business developments and explore opportunities to strengthen trade and investment between the two countries. It is a dynamic platform that promotes deeper economic cooperation and addresses key issues in bilateral trade relations.
The plan begins with an opening speech Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-roque From the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Minister Laurent St. MartinMinister of Foreign Trade. Their speech highlighted the long-term economic partnership between France and the Philippines, and emphasized the importance of trade policies and investment incentives to further strengthen business cooperation between the two countries.
Secretary Aldeguer-Roque Reaffirming the commitment of the Marcos government to foster a more friendly investor climate, citing the creation of more laws, a clear signal of the Philippines' openness, inviting more French businesses to explore the country's opportunities, responding to the call for “call”Continue to realize it in the Philippines. ”
Minister St. MartinMeanwhile, deepen economic ties by identifying key industries for cooperation and promoting formal trade agreements to unlock market potential. He stressed the importance of a clear trade framework, the benefits of the EU's preferential trade program and the establishment of the Joint Economic Commission, which is a step towards stronger bilateral cooperation.
After the opening speech, the introductory speech is Anton HuangChairman of the Philippine French Business Council; and Jacques Christoph BlanelkPresident of the French Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. Both stress that partnerships remain the cornerstone of successful and sustainable economic cooperation.
Assessment of Philippine French business success
The first panel, “Philippines and France Business Development – The key to success.” Discussions on key elements that drive French business success in the country opened. In the title “The key to success 1: a strong partnership with multiple opportunities,” Makati Development Cooperation speakers Robert Baffrey and Francis Gotianun of Filinvest Development Corp. and Jean Baptiste Dreamic of Engie joined Joris Thomas of Bouygues Boungues Bountiment International. They discuss the value of long-term cooperation and mutual trust in unlocking business potential across areas such as infrastructure and energy.
exist”Key to success 2: Take advantage of the Philippines’ ecosystem and competitive advantages” Oliver Tacoda of stmicroelectronic,,,,, Pamela Vilanca French Air, and fides ricasa Shared insights into strategies that support the sustainability and growth of their company in the Philippines market. Multiple sclerosis. Vilanca Emphasize the importance of connectivity in driving business opportunities and point out airline It is currently the only airline that offers direct flights to the Philippines and Europe. This direct liNot only NK Promote Tourism, but also strengthens trade and investment between the two regions – assert “Make the country more accessible and make the investment larger. “gentlemen. Tacoda Meanwhile, Ms. Rikasa highlights the value of long-term partnerships and innovation, which are key pillars to ensure sustained resilience and competitiveness in the evolving global landscape.
Unlock trade and investment potential
The second panel discussed the opportunities and challenges of increasing trade and investment between France and the Philippines. Discuss the expectations around policy reforms, investment incentives and private sectors to promote stronger trade relations.
Deputy Minister Allan Gepty, The FTA's chief negotiator and the EU's chief negotiator elaborated on the main objectives of the ph-eu FTA: to promote economic sustainability and ensure common prosperity. In addition, providing a view of the French and Philippine private sectors, Christophe Lejeune Makati Business Club and Jos Ortega The French Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the Industrial Chamber shared insights on the use of Philippine economic policies to cultivate business-friendly regulations and strengthened bilateral cooperation to maximize trade and investment opportunities.
at the same timeDeputy Minister Ceferino RodolfoThe Philippines’ strong economic performance was highlighted by Vice Chairman of the Philippines’ Ministry of Trade and Industry and Head of the Board of Management Committee – accounting for 5.6% of GDP growth last year, which is 2ND Fastest in Southeast Asia, 8Th worldwide. He elaborated on key areas of cooperation between France and the Philippines, which highlighted the opportunities for French investors to pass reforms such as the Creation Act. He also highlighted the role of the Joint Economic Commission for PH-FR (JEC) and the ongoing PH-eu Free Trade Agreement in advancing strategic mutually beneficial partnerships.
The forum ends with an ending. Rafael OngpinExecutive Director of Makati Business Club; and Jacques Christophe Branelec, President of the French Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. They reaffirmed the forum's success in promoting meaningful dialogue, expanding its business network and laying the foundation for deeper cross-sectoral cooperation between France and the Philippines.
The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines sincerely thanks its gold sponsors: OCEA, Centre Médicale Internationale, Fairmont Makati and Raffles Makati, Reelreve, Reelreve, Havas Ortega Group Philippines, & Jewelmer; and Silver sponsors: Enterenergies, Inc. , Engie, International Container Terminal Services Company, CMA CGM. Cloudcfo, R Concepts & Events Co and Eterperformance Philippines; and media partners: Manila Times,,,,, Business,,,,, BusinessWorld,,,,, Philippine stars,,,,, Inquirer.net,,,,, Manila Announcement,,,,, Daily Forum& PTV-4, whose support makes this event possible.
CCI France Philippines and its event partners are honored to host a gathering of insightful business leaders and industry experts. In addition to exchange of ideas and success stories, the forum also establishes meaningful links and shares a shared vision for a stronger economic ties between France and the Philippines.
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