The Philippines and Pakistan celebrate 69 years of friendship

A group photo with President Rodrigo Duterte onboard Pakistan navy ship SAIF

Fortifying friendship

In recent months, both countries have been strengthening relations.

frigate of the Pakistani Navy called on Ma building” engagements between both countries. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte himself toured the frigate, while it was here.

In January 2018, 5th round of Pakistan- Philippines bilateral political consultations was held in Islamabad.

Just last February, the Joint Pakistan-Philippine Economic Commission met in Islamabad, led by Pakistani Economic Affairs Division Secretary Arif Ahmed Khan and Philippine Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo. Both countries are looking to expand economic cooperation in the areas of energy, agriculture, health, and industry. Pakistan presented prospective export products: rice; fruits, including Pakistani citrus and mangoes; leather garments; pharmaceutical goods; sporting goods; and surgical items. The Philippines, for its part offered electronics and semi-conductors; automotive parts and components; and processed food and Halal products.

The meeting also arrived at the following agreements:

• Both sides agreed to hold and actively participate in trade fairs, single country and product based exhibitions in each other’s country on a regular basis.

• Both sides agreed to conduct feasibility studies on the possibility of Preferential Trade Agreement and to the formation of a Technical Working Group within the JEC for this purpose.

• Both sides agreed to re-activate the PakistanPhilippines Joint Business Forum/Council with the participation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Philippines and Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Pakistan.

• Pakistan offered Philippines investment opportunities in Power sector of Pakistan in renewable energy and small hydro power projects and training in the areas of hydro carbon like exploration, production, processing and survey etc.

• The two sides agreed to collaborate in the area of post-harvest management and processing of rice and banana.

• Pakistan invited Philippines to invest in construction of Highways in Pakistan on Build,

• Philippines shared investment opportunities for Pakistan pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing in the Philippines.

A next meeting, to be held in Manila, being planned. is