Last year in Paris, former Department of Trade and Industry chief Gregory Domingo met French Minister of State for Foreign Trade Mathias Fekl to discuss about the Philippine-France JEC which deals with how PH and France can expand their collaboration in the areas of aerospace, aeronautics, creative industries, tourism and sustainable development.
As a follow up to last year’s negotiation, current DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez and Philippine French Ambassador Thierry Mathou talked about the plans and programs that they can initiate in order to strengthen the economic ties of the two countries.
Philippines and France are both positive about the restoration of the Philippines-France Joint Economic Commission (JEC) next year, which will be held somewhere in the Philippines.
DTI Sec. Lopez said that France is an important trade and investment partner for the Philippines. He noted that the country is also a potential market for Philippine-made products.
It can important to note that Philippine exports to France has increased from $332M in 2014, it rose up to $416M in 2015. Among the top export products in France are electronic circuits and microassemblies.
Sec.Lopez further added that the European country supports the development of Philippine startups and other Filipino creative services.
