NZ, PHL looking at expanding trade ties; to compare higher education standards
NEW ZEALAND and the Philippines are looking to expand economic relations following the bilateral meeting between the leaders of the two countries after the closing ceremony of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Metro Manila on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
“I’m also looking at the two-way trade that we have, a billion dollars. It’s impressive but [ there’s] always more opportunity. But I think we have a strong foundation economically,” New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said at the meeting held at the Philippine International Convention Center.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte, for his part, said, “We will study it carefully because now that we have at least known each other and I can talk to you.”
Mr. Duterte, who has twice been to New Zealand where there is a community of about 50,000 Filipinos, lauded the country as one that is “governed well and protected well.”
Mr. Duterte, who has been a controversial leader for his war on drugs and repeated references to the killing of criminals, noted that policemen in New Zealand do not need to carry guns.
Ms. Arden said, “We consider ourselves a very peaceful nation and of course advocate for those principles and values as you will have heard at the point that I made during the summit.”
“So that was an opportunity to highlight some of our values. And you will have seen yourself that we live by them,” she added.
The New Zealand leader also praised the Filipino community in her country, describing them as a “strong, buoyant community and well-loved.”
EDUCATION
Meanwhile, Ms. Arden and Mr. Duterte stood witness to the signing of an agreement to strengthen ties in the field of education.
Commission on Higher Education ( CHEd) Chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan and New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines David Strachan signed the Memorandum of Cooperation between the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and the Philippines CHEd for a comparative analysis of the two countries’ bachelor’s degrees.
“Well, this is one good development. Education. It’s in good hands and of course, we can have access to the quality of education in New Zealand. It would be happy,” Mr. Duterte said.
The Philippines and New Zealand earlier signed other agreements on cooperation in the areas of energy and meteorological sciences.
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines ( PAL) will also be launching in December thrice- a-week direct flights between Manila and Auckland. PAL currently flies to Auckland via Cairns, Australia.
PAL President Jaime J. Bautista said on Tuesday that if the market for the route continues to expand, the airline can increase the frequency to five times a week.