BUSINESS groups from the Philippines and Slovenia have agreed to collaborate in manufacturing, mobility, food and beverage industries, as well as in science, technology and education, among others, to strengthen business and economic cooperation between the two countries.
In a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in Taguig City yesterday, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS) agreed to organize the Philippines-Slovenia Business Council based in the Philippines, and the Slovenia-Philippines Business Council in Slovenia. The councils will discuss, plan and implement joint initiatives that aim to expand business and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The MOU was signed by Enunina Mangio, president of PCCI, and Vesna Nahtigal, general manager of CCIS.
Under the MOU, the parties agreed to provide assistance in obtaining relevant market data and information on the policy, legal and regulatory environment for doing business in their respective territories.
Trade, investment promotions
The business groups will also organize outbound or host inbound trade and investment missions between the Philippines and Slovenia as well as assist each other in organizing or participating in exhibitions, trade fairs, symposiums, seminars, conferences, study tours, business matching, trainings and other means of trade and investment promotions.
In her speech at the MOU signing, Marjana Majeric, executive director of CCIS, said the agreement updates their first collaboration forged 20 years ago.
“We are not just renewing a commitment but taking a bold step toward the future. This extended MOU will serve as a catalyst for a more structured trade and investment promotion, bringing businesses together and fostering strong partnership,” Majeric said.
In response, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the MOU marked not just the opening of a dialogue between the two countries but “builds bridges of collaboration, investment, and shared prosperity.”
“Slovenia and the Philippines may be geographically distant, but we are united by a common goal to foster economic growth through innovation, trade, and investment,” Roque said.
In 2023, total trade between the two countries stood at $62.6 million, data from the OECD showed. There were no comparative figures.
