Gov’t to hold European roadshows

MANILA, Philippines - The government is holding roadshows in Europe next month to attract more investments from European companies, a trade official said.

Trade Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo Jr. told reporters the roadshows are being organized to promote the Philippines as an investment destination for companies in Europe.

“What we expect to get out of that is renewed interest in the Philippines. Because of the economic difficulties in Europe, we have not been able to reach them. This is the chance for us to reestablish our presence in their minds so that they will come here,” he said.

He said the first stop will be the United Kingdom as the government is set to send a high-level mission on Oct. 2 to 3.

Twenty-three companies will be part of the delegation including Shell Philippines, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank.

Manalo said the government wants to attract more investments from firms in the UK engaged in financial services, production of automotive parts as well as in the creative industry.

After visiting the UK, he said he will be going to Germany for the Anuga food fair, where at least 15 Filipino firms will be participating to showcase their products.

He will likewise be meeting with companies in Sweden and Finland to encourage them to invest in the country.

He said Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director general Lilia de Lima meanwhile, will be going to Denmark and Norway next month to promote investments in the Philippine information technology sector.

“Europe is undergoing financial difficulty but that doesn’t last forever. So we want to establish ourselves early,” he said.