9th Joint Economic Briefing | 16 January
On 16 January, the ECCP together with the European National Chambers conducted the 9th Joint Economic Briefing at Dusit Thani, Makati. This event presented insights into the Philippine economic situation by assessing Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and investment opportunities for economic growth and resilience, highlighting relevant trade policies, legislation, and sustainable economic development.

Esteemed speakers and panelists included EU Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Massimo Santoro, Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) Undersecretary Hon. Ma. Angela E. Ignacio, BDO Senior Vice President and Head of Research Mr. Dante Tinga Jr., Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office Executive Director V Ms. Rowena Candice Ruiz, DOTr Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development Hon. Timothy Batan, BOI Executive Director for Investments Promotion Service Hon. Evariste “Eries” M. Cagatan, and DOE Assistant Secretary Hon. Mylene Capongcol.

AmCham Legislative Committee Meeting: EPIRA Law Amendments | 16 January
The ECCP participated in the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ (AmCham) Legislative Committee Meeting on EPIRA Law Amendments last 16 January at the Corinthian Plaza Building in Makati City.

The lineup of speakers for this event included the Department of Energy Usec. Sharon Garin, who discussed the role of DOE in shaping energy policy and improving energy security and affordability in the country; Atty. Noel Baga, Co-Convenor of the Center for Energy Research and Policy, who provided insights into the proposed amendments and their implications for addressing energy security and electricity affordability in the Philippines; and Mr. Frank Thiel, Managing Director of Quezon Power, who tackled the challenges and opportunities in the Philippine power sector. Present at the meeting was ECCP Advocacy Officer Joaquin Reloj.

Finland-Philippines Labor Mobility Connect 2025 | 16 January | Photo
Last 16 January, the ECCP participated in the Finland-Philippines Labour Mobility Connect 2025 held at Shangri-La The Fort, BGC. The event spotlighted labor mobility opportunities for Filipino workers aiming to build careers in Finland. Key presentations from TESDA and CHED outlined training frameworks and employment tools designed to support aspiring overseas workers in their migration journey. The gathering underscored the shared commitment of both countries to fostering skills development and facilitating international employment pathways. In attendance from the ECCP was Advocacy Officer, Kyla Uy.

Innovative Frontiers: Bridging Innovation Through Intellectual Property Rights | 21 Jan | Photo
Last 21 January, the ECCP and the EU Southeast Asia IP-SME Helpdesk held a joint event entitled “Innovative Frontiers: Bridging Innovation Through Intellectual Property Rights.” The event highlighted the emerging interest in intellectual property (IP) discourse, as well as the new developments in the IP landscape of the Philippines.

Key presentations were delivered by IPOPHIL’s Deputy Director General, Atty. Ann Credo-Cabochan, DTI-EMB’s Assistant Director, Atty. Kat Rivera, and EU IP-SME Helpdesk’s External IP Expert, Atty. Edmund Baranda. The speakers discussed a wide range of IP issues from legal perspectives, trade, exports, and artificial intelligence.

2025 European Ambassadors’ Meeting with the ECCP | 23 January | Photo
On 23 January, the ECCP hosted the 2025 European Ambassadors’ Meeting together with the European Heads of Mission, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished speakers, and partners.

The afternoon session featured an in-depth discussion on the 2025 economic outlook from both Philippine and ASEAN perspectives. It explored the potential impact of the upcoming midterm elections on the Philippines' investment and business climate, strategies to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between Europe and the Philippines, as well as the United Kingdom and the country. Additionally, the session provided valuable updates and insights into the prospects for the EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the EFTA-Philippines FTA.

Presenting and speaking at the session were Mr. Marco Co, Head of Global Emerging Markets Trading at Deutsche Bank AG - Manila; Prof. Victor Andres C. Manhit, President of Stratbase Institute; Mr. Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council; H.E. Massimo Santoro, Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines; Ms. Lindsey Gilbert-Crouch, Director of Trade and Investment at the British Embassy Manila; and Ambassador Nicolas Brühl of the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation to the Philippines. Atty. Tony Abad of TradeLawyers moderated the panel discussions. Welcoming remarks were delivered by ECCP President Mr. Paulo Duarte and with ECCP Executive Director Mr. Florian Gottein hosting the discussion.

1st National Stakeholder Consultation on Philippine Taxonomy Development Phase 2: Circular Economy Objective | 30 January | Photo
The ECCP took part in the National Stakeholder Consultation on Philippine Taxonomy Development Phase 2: Circular Economy Objective, a key initiative under the EU-funded Green Economy Programme in the Philippines, held on 30 January 2025 in Conrad Manila. This program is jointly implemented by Expertise France and the Global Green Growth Institute, with support from the Department of Finance, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

The consultation served as a platform to bring together key stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to advance the development of a Circular Economy Taxonomy, extending the Philippines’ Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Guidelines. As the first country-specific taxonomy focused on the circular economy, this initiative aims to establish a clear framework to guide sustainable investments, promote resource efficiency, and foster inclusive green growth across various sectors.

Representing the Chamber were ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein, ICT-BPM-KPM Committee Co-Chairperson Karl Bantiling, Fairs & More, Inc. General Manager Dawn Cabigon, Events Manager Arci Catalan, and Senior Advocacy Officer Chin Nethercott.

Launch of the Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines | 31 January | Photos
ECCP President Paulo Duarte participated as a panelist in the Launch of the Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines on 31 January at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig. He joined the "Fireside Chat on Igniting Digital Transformation: Empowering MSMEs through Inclusive Digitalization in the Philippines," where key stakeholders from Digital-PINAS explored the transformative potential of digital tools, services, and policies in fostering inclusive growth and resilience for MSMEs. The discussion highlighted insights, successes, and challenges in the digitalization journey while outlining a roadmap toward building a more inclusive digital economy in the Philippines.