The Philippines is stepping up engagement with the European Union as negotiations continue toward a long-anticipated free trade agreement, with both sides exploring deeper cooperation in services, investments and professional mobility.
During a consultation with members of the Filipino community in The Hague on March 7, Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said the proposed Philippines–EU free trade pact aims to expand opportunities beyond traditional goods trade to include cross-border services and the temporary movement of professionals.
“The Philippines is actively promoting the integration of small and medium enterprises into the global value chain. Through this FTA, we hope to create more opportunities for Filipinos in the EU, including the possibility of establishing their own businesses,” Gepty said.
The meeting, held at the Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague, gathered Filipino professionals working in the Netherlands across sectors such as nursing, engineering and law. Organized with support from the Philippine Trade and Investment Center Brussels, the consultation sought to gather insights that could inform Manila’s negotiating position on issues affecting professional services and labor mobility.
The Philippines has been pushing to strengthen its services exports, including IT-business process management, healthcare information management services, and professional consulting. These are areas where improved market access in Europe could create new growth opportunities.
Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya said recent high-level exchanges between the two sides highlight a shared commitment to strengthening economic ties.
“The exchange of visits by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Aukje de Vries to Manila in February and now by Undersecretary Gepty to The Hague affirms the two countries’ commitment to further strengthening their economic relations, attracting foreign investments and promoting business activities,” Malaya said.
Gepty’s visit also forms part of activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Netherlands, with additional trade and investment engagements scheduled during the trip.
