Having been Ambassador to the Commission of the European Communities in Brussels, I continue to have an interest in developments in the EU particularly in trade and investments.
During my lunch with Ambassador Guy Ledoux of the European Union Delegation he pointed out the following:
1. EU-PHL trade grew by 34 percent, which is the highest growth rate in over ten years. Total trade was 9 billion euros.
2. EU-PHL trade in services was stable at 2.2 billion euros. He highlighted the growth potential in BPO.
3. EU is the largest investor in the Philippines with a cumulative FDI stock of 6.6 billion euros representing 38 percent of total FDI stock.
4. The 660,000 land based OFWs plus 120,000 seamen manning European ships remitted $2.6 billion, making the EU the second largest source of remittances.
5. EU was the fifth largest source of tourism at 297,000 visitors.
The above, in my opinion, makes it imperative for our embassies in Europe to aggressively pursue their action plans related to economic diplomacy. I suggest that the embassy staff go to the EU Delegation website (http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/philippines) and download the EU-Philippines Trade and Investment Factfile. It is an excellent primer on what to focus on. –Roberto R. Romulo (The Philippine Star)
March –
IT’S WOMEN’S MONTH!
“Respect and support women
every day of the year/s!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week;
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and “
Made-in-the-Philippines Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
March 4: Employee Appreciation Day
March 15: World Consumer Rights Day
March 18: Global Recycling Day
March 21: International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination
March 23: International Day for the Right to the Truth
Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations
and for the Dignity of Victims
March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the
Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
March 27: Earth Hour
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