Stuttgart. The OAV (Ostasiatischer Verein e.V.) or the German Asia-Pacific Business Association, a network of German companies doing business in the Asia-Pacific region, invited Ambassador Melita S. Sta. Maria-Thomeczek to be one of the keynote speakers at the OAV Young Leaders Annual Conference 2016 which was held on 23 September 2016 at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart.

Since its foundation in 1900, the OAV has become a leading network of German companies with interests and activities in the Asia-Pacific region.  A privately-held, non-profit organization, the OAV has approximately 500 member companies, both large and small.  The OAV provides its member companies individual and tailored consultancy, in-depth research and publications on specific markets.

The OAV Young Leaders network functions within the larger OAV network, as an additional service for its member companies. Open to anyone up to the age of 40, the OAV Young Leaders is aimed at emerging leaders and experts interested in the Asia-Pacific region.  The highlight of the year is the annual OAV Young Leaders Conference which features speeches of senior business managers as well as political representatives, and is characterized by workshops and panel discussions.  Around 100 participants attended the annual conference.

The 2016 event opened with keynote speeches from Dr. Oliver Blume, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. and the Philippine Ambassador.

In addressing the young business leaders, Ambassador Sta. Maria – Thomeczek described the economic powerhouse that was ASEAN and the good market prospects of the region with its 628 million population.  She described the ASEAN community’s three pillars (political-security, economic and socio-cultural), with emphasis on the economic community and its roadmap.

In closing, the Ambassador remarked that “more than just presenting you these data and information, I invite all of you to visit any of the ASEAN countries – including the Philippines. See for yourselves how its people and lifestyle go, what common values we have and how business can be made easier because there is better understanding and appreciation.”   – END

Knauf Gips KG, a leading German manufacturer of building systems and equipment, and the German Investment and Development Corporation (Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft, or DEG), signed a partnership agreement to set up Knauf Gypsum Philippines Inc. in Bataan, Philippines. The agreement was signed at the Philippine Embassy in the presence of Ambassador Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek and her economic team, including Economic Officer Catherine Torres and Commercial Counsellor Althea Antonio. The two companies will invest EUR40 million in the joint venture project.

The plasterboard production facility is projected to be completed by early 2018, and is expected to create 100 direct jobs, with a production capacity of 16 million m² of plasterboard per annum.

Mr. Manfred Grundke, Knauf CEO, signed for his company, while Management Board Member Ms. Christian Laibach and Director for Corporates Germany Mr. Klaus Helsper signed for DEG.

Knauf had been considering investing in the Philippines since early 2014, and was one of six German businesses that met with then President Benigno S. Aquino III when he visited Germany in September 2014. In August 2015, Mr. Grundke met with Ambassador Thomeczek and her economic team to firm up Knauf’s plans to invest in the Philippines.

Earlier this year, the proposed investment was granted pioneer status by the Board of Investments with the help of the Embassy and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Berlin. Pioneer status would mean that the income tax holiday can be granted to the company for a maximum period of six years. “Non-pioneer” status would only grant a maximum income tax holiday incentive of four years.

Aside from generating jobs, Knauf Gypsum Philippines Inc. will help the Philippines meet its plasterboard requirements. The country currently relies on exports for its booming construction industry. Plasterboard has become a popular building material due to its quicker and easier installation, fire resistance, and versatility. (end)