Netherlands’ Minister of Trade and Development Aukje de Vries held high-level talks with Philippine officials and business leaders during her two-day visit to Manila, identifying new opportunities for cooperation in water management, semiconductors, healthcare, and maritime industries as both countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
The semiconductor sector emerged as a key focus area for future collaboration. With 85% of globally manufactured chips using Dutch technology and the Philippines serving as a critical production hub for testing and packaging, both countries are positioned to benefit from closer cooperation.
During the visit, Minister De Vries met with semiconductor industry leaders to better understand the domestic landscape and identify potential areas for collaboration, particularly in education, skills development, and workforce training.
In a meeting with Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, both sides underscored the strength of bilateral economic ties built over decades of collaboration.
Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in strategic sectors where Dutch expertise and Philippine capabilities naturally complement each other, including water management and coastal protection, semiconductor development, healthcare, and areas aligned with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship priorities.
The visit provided Minister De Vries with a comprehensive look at the country’s economic landscape through engagements with both government and private sector stakeholders.
She met with leaders of Dutch companies operating in the Philippines, highlighting how Dutch strengths in agriculture, water management, maritime industries, banking, and renewable energy have translated into long-standing partnerships that support growth and create opportunities locally.
Her two-day program also included exchanges with Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda, a visit to the ING Bank hub in the Philippines, and meetings with Dutch family business Spliethoff Shipping Company, among others.
The engagements offered insights into ongoing investments and collaborations that continue to shape the economic relationship between the two countries.
Reflecting on the visit, Minister De Vries said: “As we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, the Netherlands looks forward to building an even stronger partnership with the Philippines.”
“We share many interests and I saw firsthand the many economic opportunities for Dutch and Filipino business, including on water, agriculture and semicon. This visit marks an exciting new chapter in our longstanding friendship,” she added.
Overall, the visit highlighted the multifaceted strength of Dutch-Philippine economic cooperation, spanning government, business, and academic collaboration. It also formed part of a broader calendar of engagements planned by the Dutch Embassy throughout 2026 to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and the Philippines.