Held at Raffles & Fairmont Makati, the gathering provided a lively platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and celebration of European-Philippine business ties that continue to flourish amid global challenges.

Speaking on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Hon. Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating a more competitive landscape.

“The Philippines is pursuing the most open and liberal investment policies in our history. Streamlining processes, reducing operational barriers, and crafting strategies that foster investor confidence,” Go said.

Private sector leaders echoed this confidence. PMFTC Inc. Board Member Michael G. Tan captured the spirit of the night: “We believe that the EU and Philippine partnership can be a powerful force for good, enabled by mutual trust, fairness, and shared prosperity.”

Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) reinforced the value of collaboration.

“Together with the private sector, our institute, and international partners, the Philippines remain steadfast in its commitment in building a dynamic, competitive, and inclusive economy, one that’s future ready and full of opportunities,” Balisacan said.

From industry chambers and embassies to multinational investors and local enterprises, the event showcased the strength of Europe-Philippines ties built on trust, transparency, and shared vision.

As Undersecretary Karlo Fermin S. Adriano of the Department of Finance put it: “So tonight, as we commemorate the success of European-Philippine cooperation, let us look ahead with optimism and resolve to the new opportunities that await us.”

The evening closed on that note of optimism, proof that beyond trade agreements and policy frameworks, the real partnership lies in people, purpose, and the promise of shared progress.

The high-level meeting, set at the White House during Marcos’s official visit to the United States from July 20 to 22, underscores the continued strength of Philippines-US relations and the Marcos administration’s push to secure more favorable economic and security outcomes for the country.

In a pre-departure briefing on Friday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano said the leaders’ discussions will focus on bolstering economic ties and addressing the proposed 20-percent US tariff on Philippine exports.

“We hope, of course, to arrive at a bilateral trade agreement or a deal on reciprocal trade that is mutually acceptable, mutually beneficial for both our countries,” Solano said, emphasizing the administration’s aim for a constructive and balanced outcome.

“The purpose of this visit is to further strengthen the Philippines-United States alliance, to proactively engage the US in all aspects of the relations, and seize opportunities for greater security and economic cooperation,” she added.

Beyond trade, the two leaders are also expected to tackle regional security, including enhanced defense cooperation and maritime security, amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

During his three-day US visit, Marcos will also engage with key business leaders to promote investment opportunities in the Philippines. On July 21, he is scheduled to hold separate meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

President Marcos will conclude his trip with a press briefing for the Philippine media before departing Washington on July 22. The DFA confirmed that due to scheduling constraints, he will be unable to meet with the Filipino community during this visit.

Joining the President in his US delegation are DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Acting Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez, Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

The delegation will be led by Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs and chair of the Economic Development Committee. He will be joined by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and Ceferino Rodolfo, undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry and managing head of the Board of Investments.

The mission comes in response to a July 9 letter from US President Donald Trump to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., informing Manila that the previously announced 17-percent tariff on Philippine exports will be raised to 20 percent. The increase is part of a broader recalibration of US trade policy affecting 20 countries, including key US allies such as Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Thailand.

Trump’s letter cited the Philippines’ “tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers” as contributing to what he called “unsustainable trade deficits” that threaten the US economy and national security.

“These tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your country,” Trump wrote. He added that the US would be willing to “reconsider an adjustment” if the Philippines opens its “closed trading markets” and removes restrictive trade practices.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed that Manila will formally request a review of the tariff hike, noting that the talks aim to secure a more favorable deal for Philippine exporters.

Trump warned, however, that any retaliatory move from Manila would be met with a proportional increase. “If for any reason you decide to raise your tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 20 percent that we charge,” he said.

Trump also hinted at an alternative: Filipino companies manufacturing directly within the US would be exempt from the tariff.

The upcoming negotiations are seen as crucial for mitigating the potential economic impact of the new tariffs on Philippine exporters and preserving strong trade ties between the two long-time allies.