Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual met with European Parliament Vice President Heidi Hautala on June 27, 2023 to underscore the need to continue the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) and ensure that in the transition to the new scheme the preferential arrangement is not interrupted.
He also provided updates on the recent developments in the county in the areas of good governance, labor, human rights, and environment.
Given that the Philippines can serve as the EU’s strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, Secretary Pascual also urged VP Hautala to support the Philippines’ bid for the resumption of the Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement (PH–EU FTA) negotiations.
Secretary Pascual also highlighted investment opportunities in the Philippines in the areas of renewable energy, digital technology, and manufacturing which EU companies can take advantage of.
Recognizing the Philippine progress and with the view that these developments continue, VP Hautala expressed optimism for stronger and more stable PH-EU economic relations.
The European Parliament is one of the legislative bodies of the European Union and one of its seven institutions.
Also present in the meeting were Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda, DTI Undersecretary for Communications Ma. Blanca Kim B. Lokin, DTI Assistant Secretary Allan B. Gepty, Commercial Counselor Magnolia M. Ashley, and Susanna Mendiola of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels.
