Belgium eyes economic ties in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY – Belgium is looking to establish economic partnerships in this city, and the province of Iloilo.

This was disclosed by Ambassador Michel Goffin, who told The Manila Bulletin: “We are going to bring Belgian business here.”

Speaking at the reception for the 2018 Cine Europa at SM City Iloilo, Goffin said he will convince five or more Belgian businesses to attend a business forum in Iloilo next year.

Belgium is looking for possible linkages with Iloilo’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

This would be timely as Iloilo has reentered the list of Tholons for the world’s 100 top destinations for business process outsourcing (BPO) companies.

Goffin also mentioned the food and beverage industry, particularly manufacturers of Belgian beer and Belgian chocolate.

“I think we can promote Belgian beers and chocolates here,” said Goffin as he observed the growing number of hotels and restaurants.

Daniella Julieta Caro, who manages Cinematheque Iloilo under the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), said Cine Europa screened 28 movies from European Union (EU) member states.

Films shown were from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom.