Philippines ‘most promising SEAsian economy,’ says Czech minister

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s economic gains have made the Philippines the “most promising” Southeast Asian economy in the Czech Republic’s radar, Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Martin Tlapa said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said this was highlighted by Tlapa during a meeting with Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Laura Q. del Rosario last Jan. 13 to discuss ways to enhance bilateral economic cooperation between the Philippines and the Czech Republic. 

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario was in the US with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry and US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter in Washington for the second 2+2 Philippines-US Ministerial Meeting.

The Deputy Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of cultivating deeper business-to-business contacts conducting business missions to boost trade and investments. 

Del Rosario said Czech firms are keen on investing in the fields of renewable energy, telecommunications, infrastructure, glass industry, and the aviation industry. He also underscored opportunities for cooperation in tourism, education, and defense. 

He likewise met with DFA Undersecretary for Policy Evan Garcia to discuss current, emerging, regional and global political and economic issues. Both sides recognized the need to strengthen trade and investments, citing the GSP+ scheme as an important vehicle in its advancement, as well as the early conclusion of a bilateral economic agreement. 

To institutionalize the framework for bilateral discussions, they have also committed to pursue discussions to establish a political consultation mechanism in the near future.

The Philippines established relations with the former Czechoslovakia on Oct. 5 1973. Following its peaceful dissolution Jan. 1, 1993, the Philippines recognized the Czech Republic and Slovakia.