In his remarks before a combined delegation from both government and the private sector led by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck and chairman of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business Roland Busch, Pascual cited the country’s third quarter GDP growth of 7.6 percent, coupled with the government’s legislative reforms.
Also, foundational strengths that include a large pool of young, vibrant, and trainable workforce and a much-improved infrastructure are significant reasons for German companies to consider the Philippines in their supply and production diversification strategies.
Pascual also sought the support of Germany in the Philippines’ application for the renewal of the EU GSP+.
Habeck was joined by leaders from various industries that included Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens; Peter Rankl, president of Continental; Axel Stepken, chairman of the Board of Management, TUIV-Sud; Silke Klausen, regional representative Asia-Pacific, Thysssenkrupp AG; and Christopher Zimmer, executive director, German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The public-private discussion between the two economies happened on the sideline of Pascual’s participation in the 17th Asia Pacific Conference of German Business in Singapore held on November 13-14 at the Raffles City Convention Center. (PR)