Euro Firms Hired More Than 800K Filipinos in 40 Years
DESPITE WHAT SOME CRITICS CLAIM, Europeans have long been good friends of Filipinos and even better business partners to the country.
Since its establishment in 1978, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and its member companies have created more than 800,000 jobs in the country according to ECCP President Guenter Taus.
The business group, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, has played a crucial role in promoting stronger trade and investment ties between the Philippines and the EU, said Taus. He also added that the ECCP has been closely working with the Philippine government in promoting policies that will improve the business environment in the country.
Advocacy tools including letters to members of the government, position papers on proposed reforms or current issues, drafting of bills, and advocacy papers are issued by both the ECCP and EU-Philippines Business Network.
The ECCP also creates a list of recommendations in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, consumer goods and retail, energy and renewables, among others that would enable long-term economic growth in the country.
The bilateral trade between the EU and the Philippines in the first half of 2017 showed promising growth. Data from EU showed a 17-percent uptick. Philippine exports to the 28 EU member states also increased by 36 percent from the same period a year ago.
In 2016, about 28 percent or P62 billion of the total investments in the Philippines came from EU companies, making EU the largest investor in the country.
“Looking into the future, it is my hope that the ECCP will continue to do the good work it has done in the past,” said Taus.
“Our hope is that the Chamber will continue to serve the European-Philippine business community with the same vigor and commitment it has over the past 40 years,” he added.
The ECCP now has grown to nearly 800 member companies ranging from medium-sized to multinational corporations.
via Philippine News Agency / Kris Crismundo
