Go stated the Philippines and Europe are expanding cooperation beyond traditional trade and investment, with sustainability and climate resilience increasingly shaping economic policy.
“Europe and the Philippines have a stable and evolving partnership, built on trade, investment and development cooperation,” he stated.
Neobtainediations for the FTA resumed in recent years following renewed engagement between Manila and Brussels, with both sides now accelerating talks as geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions reshape global trade.
European business leaders stated the deal could assist attract more investments into renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and supply chain development across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
“At a time of global uncertainty marked by energy volatility, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs, this Summit could not be more timely,” stated Paulo Duarte, president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.
He stated sustainability is no longer optional for businesses and governments.
“It is central to economic resilience, competitiveness, and long-term growth,” Duarte stated.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro stated stronger alignment between sustainability tarobtains and financing will be critical to turning policies into actual projects.
“Strengthening the link between ambition and financing is essential to turning policy into real, on-the-ground impact,” Santoro stated.
Officials also stressed that deeper ASEAN-EU cooperation will be requireded to address the ongoing energy crisis, rising costs, and climate-related risks affecting regional economies.
The summit also highlighted concerns over implementation gaps, with speakers repeatedly calling for rapider execution of sustainability policies and stronger coordination between governments and the private sector.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Jonas Leones stated governments cannot implement sustainability programs alone.
“We required investors, the private sector, to really implement and shift forward,” Leones stated.
Business leaders also pushed for stronger regional cooperation on renewable energy, supply chains, circular economy initiatives, and sustainable manufacturing.
The ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit was organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.
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