ECCP Engages with European Services Forum Managing Director Pascal Kerneis | 5-6 Sept 2024 | Photos

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) recently hosted Pascal Kerneis, Managing Director of the European Services Forum (ESF), who visited Manila to engage with key stakeholders on crucial aspects of the EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with a special focus on the services and investment chapters.

This visit included productive dialogues with Philpp Dupuis, Minister Counsellor and Head of the Economic and Trade Section of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines; several ECCP Board Members; Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Atty. Allan B. Gepty, the Philippines' Chief Negotiator for the EU-PH FTA and various officials from the Bureau of International Trade Relations and Board of Investments; and Celeste Ilagan, Chief Operating Officer of the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

The discussions covered a broad range of topics aimed at enhancing EU-PH trade in services and foreign direct investments (FDIs). Key areas addressed included scheduling methods, the movement of natural persons, foreign direct investment regimes, public procurement, customs and trade facilitation, and digital trade. Discussions on the opportunities brought by the EU-PH FTA to the IT-BPO industry also took place. These conversations underscored the importance of advancing the bilateral trade deal and exploring opportunities to boost economic collaboration between the EU and the Philippines.

In the aforesaid engagements, the ECCP was represented by Executive Director Florian Gottein; Board Members Jussi Hoikka and Albert Perez; Director for Projects, Events, and Trainings Gerry Constantino; ICT-BPM-KPM Committee Co-Chairperson Erik M. Nielsen; Associate Director for International and Government Affairs Sophia Ordoña; and Advocacy Officers Kyla Uy and Joaquin Reloj. 

ECCP Aviation Committee Exploratory Dialogue with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines | 5 September 2024 | Photo

On 5 September 2024, the ECCP Aviation Committee had an exploratory meeting with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) about the Chamber’s recommendation to adopt the European Union Aviation Safety Agency Continuous Airworthiness Management Organization (EASA CAMO) framework in the Philippines. At the session, the group had an exchange on the current CAAP airworthiness assurance system as well as the important considerations the regulator has before deciding whether to adopt or modify the said framework. The participants then identified the possible areas of collaboration between the ECCP, CAAP, and EASA.

Joining the meeting from CAAP were Engr. Leonard Villar, Engr. Richie Alforque, Engr. Christian Joaquin, Engr. Gino Cruz, Ms. Tricia Sta. Barbara, and Mr. Sherman Del Rosario. The Chamber was then represented by ECCP Members Wingbox CEO/Managing Director Engr. Darmilo Sosa and AsBAA Director Mr. Max Motschmann. Ms. Chin Nethercott and Mr. Joaquin Reloj from the Advocacy Department also took part in the meeting.

To join or inquire about the Aviation Committee, please contact advocacy@eccp.com.

ECCP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee meeting with Allotrope Partners on REPH100 | 6 September | Photos

The ECCP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee, led by Co-Chairperson Ms. Ruth Yu Owen, held an exploratory meeting with representatives from Allotrope Partners on 6 September 2024. Allotrope Partners is an international consultancy firm specializing in clean energy and decarbonization, with a focus on emerging markets and technologies. 

The discussion focused on exploring opportunities for future engagements and collaborations related to the REPH100 Initiative. The meeting also covered the upcoming developments under REPH100, aimed at enhancing opportunities for both businesses and energy consumers to further the nation’s clean energy objectives. The REPH100 Initiative, inspired by the global RE100 movement, is a private sector-driven effort designed to support the Green Energy Option Program implemented by the Department of Energy. 

For REPH100 Community membership application, visit https://bit.ly/ECCP_REPH100.

For more information or any queries, please contact advocacy@eccp.com. 

ECCP Engages with SCOPE-HE for Enhanced EU-ASEAN People-to-People Connectivity &  Cooperation | 09 September | Photo

The ECCP recently held a productive meeting with the Jakarta-based team of SCOPE-HE, a key component of the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package. The discussions focused on strengthening exchanges in higher education, research, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) between ASEAN and the EU.

With its emphasis on digital and green transformation, agri-food, and education, SCOPE-HE aligns well with the ECCP’s own initiatives. During the meeting, the ECCP shared insights from its recent ERASMUS project, which aimed to enhance the employability and entrepreneurial skills of higher education graduates. Additionally, the ECCP highlighted its implementation of the EU-funded BAEP CRESCENT project, which supports agri-businesses in the Bangsamoro region in becoming more competitive and export-ready. The two organizations explored potential areas of collaboration to further advance these shared goals.

Webinar on the Stakeholders' Chamber Three-Year Roadmap and Briefing on the Development of the Chamber's ESG Indicator Framework | 10 September | Photo

The ECCP was represented at the recently concluded Webinar on the Stakeholders' Chamber Three-Year Roadmap and Briefing on the Development of the Chamber's ESG Indicator Framework organized by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on 10 September 2024. At the activity, representatives of Chamber member organizations were briefed on how to accomplish the Assessment Checklists, which are crucial in the development of the Chamber's ESG Indicator Framework. This served as a preparatory session to the face-to-face Workshop on the Formulation of the Chamber's ESG Framework on 30 September.c

JFC Meeting Hosted by The Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines | 16 September 2024

With only a few months before the end of the 19th Congress, the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) held discussions on the priority advocacies aimed at advancing the country's economic growth and competitiveness. During this meeting, the ECCP played a key role in leading efforts to address the industry’s concerns regarding Administrative Order No. 23, Series of 2024, which mandates the Pre-Border Technical Verification and Cross-Border Electronic Invoicing of Import Commodities.

ECCP Tourism Committee Meeting with MARINA | 18 September | Zoom | Photo

Last 18 September 2024, the ECCP Tourism Committee convened with guest speaker Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Director II Atty. Maria Rowena Hubilla. At the meeting, the Committee learned about the overview of the maritime industry in the Philippines as well as the role of MARINA in promoting maritime tourism. Moreover, Atty. Hubilla discussed in more detail the rules and regulations surrounding the registration, licensing, and operation of shipping, boat, and dive operators, key areas of interest for ECCP members involved in the sector.

To learn more about the Tourism Committee, please reach out to advocacy@eccp.com.

ECCP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee Meeting with Allotrope | 19 September | Photo

On 19 September 2024, the ECCP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee with its Co-Chairperson Atty. Jose Layug Jr., held a meeting with Allotrope Partners, including Mr. Erik Chan, Southeast Asia Director, and Ms. Samantha Valderrama, Southeast Asia Program Manager. Following the previous virtual meeting, the discussion focused on plans for the private-sector-led REPH100 Initiative in the coming year. Recognizing the global RE100 movement, ECCP and Allotrope Partners emphasized the importance of organizing activities that empower both local and foreign companies to contribute to the Philippines' renewable energy and sustainability agenda.

For REPH100 Community membership application, visit https://bit.ly/ECCP_REPH100.

For more information or any queries, please contact advocacy@eccp.com. 

Joint ECCP Automotive and Aviation Committees Meeting with DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista | 23 September | Photo

On 23 September 2024, the Chamber’s Automotive and Aviation Committees jointly met with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista to have a dialogue about the Agency’s road and air transport initiatives aimed at achieving Comfortable, Accessible, Safe, Sustainable, and Affordable (CASSA) transportation for the Philippines. At the meeting, the Committees also had the opportunity to share current industry concerns and their respective advocacy recommendations.

Joining the Secretary were DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto C.O. Lim; ECCP President and Automotive Committee Co-Chairperson Paulo Duarte; ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein; ECCP Automotive Committee Co-Chairperson Willy Tee Ten; ECCP Aviation Committee Co-Chairpersons Atty. Manolito Manalo and Atty. Marvin Masangkay; AsBAA Board of Governors Member Max Motschmann; Turkish Airlines Country Manager for the Philippines Huzeyfe Akhan; and ECCP Senior Advocacy Officer Chienie Nethercott.

To join the Chamber’s Automotive and Aviation Committees, please reach out to advocacy@eccp.com.

Sustainable Agriculture Forum 2024 | 26 September | Photos

With a focus on nurturing livelihoods and promoting innovation in agriculture, aquaculture, and agribusiness, the 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Forum gathered key players across major sub-sectors to discuss strategic actions in cultivating a more resilient, food secure, and sustainable future for Philippine agriculture.

The Dialogue was filled with inspiring messages, calls for collaboration, concrete plans, and sector-specific solutions to lay the foundation for an inclusive agri-future ahead.

Our sincerest thank you to Agriculture Sec. Francisco "Kiko" Tiu Laurel, Jr.; Sen. Cynthia Villar; DTI Regional Operations Group (ROG) Asec. Grace Baluyan; BFAR Fisheries Planning and Economics Division Chief Maria Abegail A. Albaladejo; Cong. Brian Raymund Yamsuan; Mr. Norbert Chingcuanco of Feedmix Specialists Inc.; Dr. Pawan Patil of the World Bank; Dr. William Dar of Go Negosyo; Dr. Enrico Miguel L. Capulong of the Bureau of Animal Industry; Mr. Carl Benedick Chung of Bounty Fresh Group; Dr. Jonathan Sabiniano of the National Livestock Program; DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero; Hon. Juliet Opulencia of Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries; Datu Hamsur Zaid of the Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Programme; Executive Director Julieta Lansangan of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority; and Mr. Joey Uy, III of Nestle Philippines.

We likewise thank Mr. Philipp Dupuis of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines and ECCP President Paulo Duarte for their opening remarks, and ECCP Agriculture Committee Chairs Ms. Ruth Novales and Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc, Rare Inc. (Phils) Director for Policy and Government Engagement Mr. Dennis Calvan, Cargill Philippines Government Relations Director Mr. Emmanuel Borlongan, GrowAsia Head of Partnerships Ms. Amy Melissa Chua, and Foodlink Advocacy Co-operative General Manager Mr. Anton Palo for moderating and hosting our event.We also extend our appreciation to Platinum Partner Nestlé Philippines, Bronze Partners Harbest and Vouno, Conference Kit Partner Yara, Advocacy Partners Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture - PPSA, Booth Partner East-West Seed Philippines, Table Top Partner Filinvest and Media Partner The iMPACT Magazine for their support!