“Our governments are here to provide the support and the environment to facilitate your success. The relationship between our countries is already strong, but we are committed to make it even stronger, said Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque in her remarks. The secretary highlighted foreign investment opportunities with the recent passage of the CREATE MORE law, and has reaffirmed the Marcos Administration’s efforts in “pursuing a transition towards sustainable and renewable energy sources, aimed at lowering energy costs, while promoting a greener economy.”

Philippines-France Business Council Chairman Anton Huang delivered the Welcome Remarks and MBC Executive Director Apa Ongpin gave the Closing Remarks. Both speakers emphasized the importance of the Philippines’ bilateral relations with France and the European Union in expanding and diversifying trade and investment linkages amid the changing geopolitical landscape and priorities. In the panel discussion, PFBC Member Christophe Lejeune emphasized the role of business associations, like MBC and the French Chamber, in understanding the local market.

Mr. Saint-Martin was accompanied by a French business delegation from energy, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and technology, such as EDF International, THALES, and POMA. The Philippines was the delegation’s second destination after Indonesia.

This event was a joint partnership between MBC, PFBC, French Chamber, Embassy of France in Manila, and the French Foreign Trade Advisors. 

MBC is the secretariat of the Philippines-France Business Council, which aims to facilitate engagements between the Philippines and France to promote bilateral business opportunities, ideas, and policies that support an innovative and competitive economy.