The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) successfully hosted the 2026 European Ambassadors’ Meeting, bringing together a distinguished group of diplomats, trade experts, and business leaders to chart the course for economic cooperation in the coming year.
The high-level convening focused on navigating the evolving economic landscape of the ASEAN region and identifying strategic opportunities for European investors within the Philippine market.
The afternoon session provided a comprehensive analysis of the year’s fiscal outlook. Key speakers offered a multi-layered perspective on trade dynamics:
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Regional Outlook: Ms. Deepali Bhargava, ING Regional Head of Research for Asia-Pacific, shared data-driven insights on the 2026 ASEAN economic trajectory.
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Trade Policy: Undersecretary Mr. Allan Gepty of the DTI and ECCP President Mr. Paulo Duarte discussed the implications of the current ASEAN Chairmanship on the local investment climate.
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EU-ASEAN Synergy: Mr. Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU–ASEAN Business Council, provided a forecast on the broader business outlook between the two regions.
A core pillar of the meeting involved discussions on deepening economic ties through both existing and prospective trade frameworks. H.E. Massimo Santoro (EU Ambassador to the Philippines), H.E. Dr. Nicholas Brühl (Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines), and Mr. Iain Frenkiel (Director of Trade and Investment at the British Embassy) emphasized the importance of robust trade agreements in fostering a stable and prosperous business environment. “The ECCP remains steadfast in its role as the bridge between European excellence and Philippine potential,” stated Mr. Paulo Duarte, ECCP President, during his welcoming remarks. “Today’s dialogue ensures that our joint actionable steps lead to tangible outcomes for the business community.”
The event, hosted by ECCP Executive Director Mr. Florian Gottein and moderated by ECCP Vice President Dr. Diana Edralin, concluded with an interactive dialogue. Participants collaborated on a roadmap of actionable steps designed to enhance market access and sustainable growth for European-Philippine enterprises.
As the “Voice of the European-Philippine Business Community,” the ECCP continues to lead the charge in advocating for policies that promote an open, competitive, and inclusive economic environment.
