Trade Chief Fred Pascual meets German Economic Minister Robert Habeck
By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
The Philippines joined the 17th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) held in Singapore from November 13-14, 2022, which was a resounding success. This has provided more opportunities for the Philippines to explore the opportunities from the companies and businessmen as well as find out how can the country deepen its economic ties with Germany.
Headed by DTI Secretary Fred Pascual, several hundred business leaders, executives, and government representatives attended to discuss economic developments in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region as well as build and strengthen personal and economic ties.
Organized by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Asia Pacific Committee of German Business (APA) and the Network of German Chambers Abroad with the German Chamber of Commerce in as local host, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Vice-Chancellor and Economic Minister Robert Habeck honored the conference with their presence and active participation. The event was held at the Raffles City Convention Center, Singapore.
“We are glad to be at the forefront of our economic relations and trade and to bring the German-Philippine business community’s interest forward during such a high-profile event in order to foster our business partnerships,” Christopher Zimmer, Executive Director of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) explained.
Pascual-Habeck Meeting
Secretary Pascual also had the opportunity to meet with German Economic Minister Habeck in person to promote and discuss economic collaborations between the Philippines and Germany. Secretary Pascual spoke about advocating German investments in the Philippines and explained political and economic frameworks for investors.
Meanwhile, Minister Habeck expounded on Germany’s policy on diversification. Habeck also mentioned Germany’s expertise in renewable energy.
Habeck and Pascual were accompanied by leaders from various German companies including Siemens CEO Roland Busch, Continental Phils. President Peter Rankl, TUV-Sud Board Chairman Axel Stepken, Thysssenkrupp AG regional representative Asia-Pacific Silke Klausen, German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Director Christopher Zimmer, as well as Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Berlin Commercial Counsellor Nicanor Bautista and the German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel.
