Polish investors pitched on PHL shipbuilding opportunities

THE PHILIPPINES received a business delegation from Northern Poland to explore possible collaboration in maritime investments, including shipbuilding, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said.

“The participation of the West Pomeranian delegation — representing shipbuilding, maritime logistics, industrial engineering, and construction — underscores Poland’s growing interest in the Philippines as a strategic investment hub in the region,” PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said in a statement on Wednesday.

At a March 13 meeting with the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, Mr. Panga touted the Philippines’ strategic location, expanding shipbuilding industry, and emerging priority industries.

“With West Pomerania’s maritime-driven economy and expertise in shipbuilding and port operations, this mission underscores high-potential synergies for the Philippines’ maritime, industrial, and infrastructure sectors,” PEZA said.

The delegation consisted of representatives from eight companies involved in marine and industrial electrical systems; maritime logistics; heavy concrete and specialized engineering; construction; ship repair and marine services; and industrial metal fabrication.

Chargé d’Affaires Katarzyna Wilkowiecka called on the need to strengthen bilateral ties.

“I hope Polish businesses will return home with a positive view of the Philippine market, and I also encourage our Filipino partners to help create a more open and enabling environment for our exporters and investors,” she was quoted as saying.

The Philippines is negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), which the government is hoping to finish by the middle of the year.

“The anticipated EU-PHL FTA, coupled with robust bilateral collaboration, is poised to unlock greater trade and investment flows, positioning the Philippines as a premier gateway for European businesses and reinforcing its role in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” Mr. Panga said.

The Philippines could potentially access additional exports of about $12 billion once the FTA is finalized, the Trade department has said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz