Subic Bay Freeport — Thirteen ambassadors from the European Union are targeting opportunities inside the premier Freeport as they met with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority officials on Thursday.
According to SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen Paulino, the 13 ambassadors along with six support staff came to the Freeport and looked into the former Hanjin shipyard in Redondo Peninsula.
He added that the delegation is seeing Subic Bay Freeport as a potential growth area for trade and investment.
“They view Subic as a prospective site for the creation of future job opportunities for residents of neighboring towns and provinces,” he said.
“As we all are getting out of pandemic restrictions, the SBMA has become eager to fulfill its mandate to attract investments and create employment, and bounce back from the losses incurred during the pandemic,” Paulino said.
“Knowing that our country has excellent ties with EU member countries, this visit from our European friends is very much a welcome gesture. I am highly confident with my team, and I am proud that I am now part of their team,” he added, encouraging the delegates to make it happen in the Philippines, better yet, make it happen in Subic Bay Freeport.
4th biggest trading partner
Back in 2019, the EU became the country’s fourth-largest trading partner, while the Philippines was the EU’s sixth-largest trading partner among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The EU delegation headed by EU Ambassador Luc Véron arrived in Subic from Clark. The SBMA team gave a briefing on the business climate in Subic Bay Freeport as a strategic location, its milestones, as well as its future plans.
Ambassador Véron has served as EU career official for over 30 years, joining the European Commission since 1989. During his stint in the Union, he witnessed its growth from 12 members to now 27 nations.
The delegation will also have a guided tour of the viable locations for various types of businesses, including a tour of the former Hanjin facility where Agila Subic will rise.