Five agreements between Dutch and Filipino government agencies, businesses, and academic institutions were signed during the two-day visit of Netherlands’ Minister of Trade and Development Aukje de Vries to the Philippines, underscoring renewed momentum in economic cooperation as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
The agreements, finalized following a roundtable discussion hosted by Minister De Vries and Netherlands Ambassador Marielle Geraedts, highlighted expanding collaboration across key sectors including water management, governance reform, and industry development.
Among the signed initiatives was an agreement between Vitens Evides International (VEI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the donation of additional water bladders to support disaster response.
VEI, which provides capacity building and operational resilience support to local water utilities and government partners, had earlier demonstrated the value of these portable systems during Typhoon Tino and the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Central Philippines in late 2025.
The latest donation of 25 Dutch-sourced units aims to further strengthen emergency preparedness and resilience among Philippine partners.
Another highlight was the formal partnership between the Anti-Red Tape Authority and the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, naming the Chamber as an Anti-Red Tape Champion to reinforce joint efforts in reducing bureaucratic hurdles and promoting a more efficient, business-friendly government environment.
Minister De Vries’ February 9–10 visit focused on strengthening the longstanding trade relationship between the Netherlands and the Philippines, reflecting shared ambitions to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and development. The trip also signaled Dutch commitment to deepening its partnership with the Philippines as a key ally in Southeast Asia.