The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has pitched to Swiss pharmaceutical companies the Philippines’ plans to be self-sufficient in medical devices, as well as digital health products and services such as personal health wellness technology products, therapeutic systems addressing chronic diseases, telemedicine solutions, and AI- assisted diagnoses.
In his speech at the opening ceremony go the Swiss Innovation Exhibit on October 24 at the Grand Hyatt Manila, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual cited the strong trade between the Philippines and Switzerland even at the height of the new coronavirus disease 2019.
He said among the four member-states of the European Free
Trade Association (EFTA), Switzerland imports and exports most with the Philippines.
Trade between the Philippines and Switzerland increased by over 10 percent from 664 million euros in 2020 to more than 730 million euros in 2021. The amount represents almost 90 percent of the Philippines’ total trade with EFTA member states.
“That’s why as the world recovers from the pandemic, I know that our two
countries will maintain our collaboration in building bridges of trade and investment, as
well as goodwill and ideas — across the miles — beyond the Philippine -EFTA free trade
agreement mentioned earlier, and the Philippines- Switzerland Joint Economic
Commission,” Pascual said.
Pascual said science, technology, and innovation will define the Philippines’ next era of industrialization. – Irma Isip
