Members of the Filipino Community in Germany joined other overseas Filipinos in Europe principally from Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands for a Trabaho, Negosyo, at Kabuhayan (TNK) Webinar on Franchising Opportunities in the Philippines on 08 August 2020.

The webinar was organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTIC) in Brussels headed by Commercial Counselor Benedict Uy and Berlin, Germany headed by Commercial Counselor Althea Antonio in cooperation with the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) led by its President Sherill R. Quintana. The activity was supported by the Philippine Embassies in Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, and Austria.

The participants in the Webinar were provided with valuable information and advice by franchising experts such as PFA Vice Chair Bing Sibal-Limjoco and Mr. Chris Lim.

On hand to introduce their franchise brands were representatives of successful Philippine companies Bibingkinitan, Oryspa, Potato Corner, Pure Nectar, and consulting group U-Franchise brands representing labels such as Brent Gas, H2O Mineral Plus, and Shawarma Shack.

In her brief message, Philippine Ambassador to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega echoed the call of her fellow Ambassadors in encouraging overseas Filipinos to help build up the Philippine economy further, generate additional employment and promote consumer interest by looking at franchising options.

This is the second TNK seminar held in Germany this year after the inaugural session held in Hamburg in February 2020. END

Philippine Ambassador to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega served as a panelist in a Webinar on “Corona Crisis – Current Challenges and Outlook on German-Asian Business” organized by the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV) on 30 April 2020.

Joining Ambassador Dizon-De Vega on the panel were Hans Georg Frey, Chairperson of the OAV, Ambassador Laurence Bay of Singapore, Ambassador Lynette Wood of Australia, Prof. Thomas Bauer, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Bauer AG, Prof. Dr. Ing. Axel Stepken, President and CEO of TÜV SÜD AG, and Ms. Almut Rossner, OAV Executive Board Member.

Over 180 persons from the German Business Community participated in the webinar with more expected to view the complete recorded program on the OAV’s online site.

The panel discussion was designed to provide an opportunity for countries in the Asia-Pacific Region to update the German business community and policy-makers on their various COVID-19 responses with a particular focus on strategies and programs to address the economic impact of the crisis.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega shared with the participants the short, medium, and long-term policies at the implementation, fine-tuning, and planning stage of the Philippine Government anchored on the 4-Pillars of the Socioeconomic response to the pandemic.

The discussion likewise provided an opportunity for Asia-Pacific countries to get feedback on the concerns and challenges being faced by the German business community and ways to re-build international economic engagement moving forward. END

The Philippines brought a delegation of organic food suppliers and companies to the BIOFACH 2020 trade show at the Nuremberg Exhibition Center in Germany from 12-16 February 2020.

One of the largest organic food trade shows in the world, BIOFACH places a strong emphasis on natural, organic and sustainable products as well as showcasing trends in the BIO Food Movement in Europe.

Philippine Ambassador to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Deputy Consul General Emil Fernandez of the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, and Commercial Counsellor Althea Antonio were present at the trade fair in support of Philippine exhibitors.

Among the products being promoted at the Food Philippines Pavilion organized by CITEM and the Department of Trade and Industry include coconut, banana, calamansi, mangoes, sugar, and other similar food items and ingredients. Among the most-sought after Philippine items were coconut based items such as coconut oil and coco vinegar. Nine (9) Philippine companies, AG Pacific Nutriceuticals, Brandexports Philippines, Cardinal Agri Products, CJ Uniworld Corporation, Filipinas Organic Coconut Product Corp, Lao Integrate Farms Inc, See’s International, Raw Brown Sugar Milling Co, Inc., and Tongsan Industrial Development Corp, were showcased at the Food Philippines Pavilion. Other Philippine companies like Primex and Celebes Coconut Corporation had separate booths at BIOFACH.

During the trade fair, Philippine exhibitors were likewise exposed to new trends in the Bio Food Industry as well as market movements. Europe, among other regions in the world, is leading the way towards a strong and sustained campaign for organic and sustainable products.

Aside from Philippine companies, a leading manufacturer of Bio food products Dr. Goerg GMBH which produces coco water and juice drinks, power bars, and bio spreads also had a strong Philippine component as its CEO and owner Mr. Manfred Goerg sources many of his ingredients including coconut water exclusively from the Philippines. His company likewise showcased their corporate social responsibility projects in the Philippines including organic farms organized with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for rebel returnees. END