Dr.Axel Neumahr (left), Philippine Consul a.h. for Baden-Württemberg, welcomes the business community of Stuttgart on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
The Philippine Consulate in Stuttgart (Stuttgart PC) recently held its official inauguration and turnover ceremonies on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
In his welcome message, Dr. Axel Neumahr, Consul a.h., shared his impressions of the Philippines based on his first visit to the country early this year as a country that is well on its economic upswing and a safe place as a holiday destination.
Together with his predecessor, Prof. Gerhard Zeidler, Dr. Neumahr presented the robust and expanding economy of the Philippines through the success stories of leading companies based in Baden-Württemberg such as the Stihl Group and Porsche and its respective successful investments in the Philippines.
Prior to the economic and investor’s testimonies, Minister and Consul General Lillibeth Pono, the incumbent Chargé d’ Affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Berlin, delivered her Independence Day message and talked about the seasoned and harmonious diplomatic relations between Germany and the Philippines.
Prof. Zeidler for his part enlightened the business community on the early diplomatic relations between Germany and the Philippines as he shed light on the life of national hero Jose Rizal and his efforts to secure the country’s freedom from oppression by its colonizers.
Mr. Peter Kompalla, Managing Director of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) likewise reaffirmed the foreign investors’ confidence in the country by presenting relevant economic facts and figures.
The highlight of the event was the testimonial of Dr. Nikolas Stihl, Chairman of the Advisory and Supervisory Board of the Stihl Group. Dr. Stihl provided details on its more than US$ 50 million investment in the Philippines through its subsidiary ZAMA, manufacturer of carburetors for small off-road engines.
In addition, Porsche’s Dr. Stefan Lutz, Head of the After Sales Technical Market Concept together with Mr. Torsten Klavs, Manager for Qualifications Concepts for International Training Projects presented the company’s successful initiative in establishing the Porsche Training and Recruitment Center in the Philippines, giving underprivileged but deserving youth a better perspective into a professional environment.
In closing, Ms. Margarita Valdes, Philippine Tourism Director in Germany enticed the guests with vignettes of various tourism destinations in the Philippines. END
Standing L-R GPCCI Managing Director Peter Kompalla, Philippine Tourism Director Meggie Valdes, Stuttgart PC Honorary Consul Dr. Axel Neumahr, Chairman of Supervisory and Advisory Board of Stihl Group Dr. Nikolai Stihl, PE Berlin CDA Lillibeth Pono, Dr. Stefan Lutz of Porsche and former Honorary Consul General Prof. Gerhard Zeidler
Philippine Embassy in Berlin Chargé d’ Affaires, Lillibeth Pono flanked by Dr.. Axel Neumahr, Consul a.h., and his predecessor Prof Gerhard Zeidler.
