Enhancing trade prospects between PH-Switzerland. Swiss businessmen and officials led by Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin (seated; center) remain upbeat in advancing trade relations with the Philippines as the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Undersecretary for Trade and Investments Promotion Group Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado (seated; rightmost) met with the Philippine-Swiss Business Council (PSBC) at their General Membership Meeting on 7 June 2017 in Taguig City. Speaking before over 30 Swiss and Filipino businessmen, Terrado assured Swiss investors about the robust growth momentum of the Philippines that has not been affected by recent events. Terrado further emphasized deeper economic relations between PH-Swiss in various sectors including electronics, aerospace, processed and specialty food, information technology, energy, and infrastructure among others. Switzerland stands as the country’s 23rd trading partner, 19th export market and with over $8.68M IPA-approved investments in 2016. Among the top Swiss companies in the Philippines with over a hundred years presence in the country is Nestle Philippines. In 2016, Switzerland played a vital role as it serves as co-chair of the negotiations for the free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Also in photo (from left to right): (seated; leftmost) PCCI Chairman Ambassador Benedicto V. Yujuico; (standing) representatives from the PCCI Secretariat and PSBC Big Brother Programs namely, Melanie Zoref, Luis Mendez, Reiner W. Gloor, Pat Cortez, Ernesto Mascenon, Benjie Los Banos.
