The European Union-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) placed strong focus on advancing negotiations for the Philippines-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by mid-2026 to 2027 to further strengthen economic relations between the Philippines and the 27-member states of EU.
This developed as the economic relations took center stage during a high-level dialogue among Philippine government officials and the EU-ABC and the ECCP held on October 15,2025 at the Fairmont Hotel in MakatiCity.
Sharon Toh, EU-ABC Mission Lead, highlighted that the targeted 2027 conclusion will coincide with the 50th anniversary of EU-ASEAN relations.
In a statement, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Frederick D. Go welcomed the commitment to conclude FTA negotiations by mid-2026 to 2027—an initiative expected to unlock greater trade and investment opportunities and advance a more competitive, sustainable, and future-ready Philippine economy.
Reaffirming the strength of the partnership, Secretary Go expressed gratitude for the European Union’s generous contribution of €800,000 (PHP54 million) in humanitarian aid to communities affected by recent tropical cyclones and flooding in the Philippines.
This donation reflects the EU’s ongoing commitment not only to economic collaboration but also to social and humanitarian causes in the country.
Secretary Go likewise underscored the Philippine government’s reform agenda to foster an open, predictable, and investor-friendly business environment. Among the key measures are the CREATE MORE Act, the New Public-Private Partnership Code, and the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, alongside recent legislative reforms such as the Amended Investors’ Lease Act,
Enhanced Mining Fiscal Regime Act, and the Accelerated and Reformed Right of Way Act. These initiatives strategically position the Philippines as a prime destination for European and ASEAN investors alike.
“The EU remains a vital trade and investment partner,” Secretary Go said. “We are inviting more European companies to invest and cooperate with us. The Philippine economy remains strong and resilient, and this is the perfect moment to deepen our partnership and create sustainable economic opportunities together.”
For her part, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque stated that under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippines is working with a clear purpose—to build closer ties with Europe and make the country a top choice for businesses looking to grow and invest.
“To our partners in Europe, this is the moment to look to the Philippines with renewed confidence.We’re creating a smoother and smarter way of doing business—simplifying procedures, modernizing systems, and making it possible for stronger cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, and green manufacturing,” Secretary Roque said.
The dialogue also featured DTI Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo, DTI Undersecretary Allan Gepty, and other key government officials. The event was organized by the EU-ABC and the ECCP.
