In photo: Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque and French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint Martin with the French business delegation
Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque and French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint Martin with the French business delegation

Manila, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Paris (PTIC-Paris) and the Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC), co-organized and supported the bilateral meeting of DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque and Minister for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Laurent Saint Martin, on 11 April 2025 aimed at fostering closer and stronger economic and trade relations between the Philippines and France. 

During the bilateral meeting, Secretary Roque emphasized the enduring partnership between the two countries, highlighting not only the significant presence of French companies in the Philippines, but also the robust potential to attract more investments from France in the sectors of agriculture/ agri-business, transportation (e.g., airports, rail, roads, and other alternative transportation solutions), and renewable and sustainable energy which are aligned with the  priority sectors for investment promotion of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. 

On the other hand, Minister Saint Martin reaffirmed France’s commitment in accelerating negotiations for the Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement (PH-EU FTA) and agreed on the proposal to convene the 11th Philippines-France Joint Economic Committee in the third quarter of 2025. To demonstrate the commitment of the French Government, Minister Saint Martin brought a select business delegation from sectors of complementarity with the Philippines including the MSMEs.

In parallel, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines hosted the France-Philippines Business Forum on 11 April 2025 at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, co-organized by the Makati Business Club, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the French Embassy in Manila.  

Both Secretary Roque and Minister Saint Martin emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties through business partnerships and investment collaboration, especially highlighting the role of the private sector and the entire business community in making the plans and aspirations of both governments, which play a supporting role, a reality.   

The bilateral meeting and the forum were calls to action: on one hand, a stronger partnership especially placing France as a strategic partner of the Philippines, recognizing its savoir-faire and superior technology.  On the other hand, for the French to regard the Philippines similarly – as a strategic partner in Asia for its high-value manufacturing and services, with its conducive investment landscape, and a young, skilled, and dedicated workforce. 

A large business delegation coming from France will be organized in time for the JEC in Manila while the DTI will have its CREATE MORE Roadshow in Paris sometime in June.

Bilateral meeting between the Philippines and France at the Fairmont Hotel, Makati City
Bilateral meeting between the Philippines and France at the Fairmont Hotel, Makati City
Representatives from the FTSC: Reimund Carlos D. Navarro, Information and Communications Officer (left); Jeremiah C. Reyes, Foreign Trade Service Officer (center); Rain Anne S. Mojica, Regional Coordinator for Europe and Middle East (right)
Representatives from the FTSC: Reimund Carlos D. Navarro, Information and Communications Officer (left); Jeremiah C. Reyes, Foreign Trade Service Officer (center); Rain Anne S. Mojica, Regional Coordinator for Europe and Middle East (right)

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Date of Release: 15 April 2025

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