25 June 2019: “Over the period of 70 years Pakistan and Philippines have enjoyed resilient ties and cooperation in economic, political and defence sector” said H.E Daniel Ramos Espiritu, Ambassador of Republic of Philippines to Pakistan. Ambassador was addressing a guest talk on “70 Year of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and Philippines: Prospects of Future Cooperation” organized by Centre for Peace, Security, and Developmental Studies (CPSD), a Karachi based public policy think-tank.

Ambassador Espiritu further said Philippines’ market offers wide range of business opportunities for Pakistani investors.

Rice, pharmaceutical products, textile goods, surgical instruments, leather products, and construction materials are most demanded products in Philippines’ market. He was of the view that Pakistani businessmen can explore these markets to earn foreign exchange. He also highlighted that Philippine’s investors may find a profitable market for supply of automobile, steel edible products, and semi-conductors. Ambassador proposed that in order to enhance bilateral trade volume, we need to increase public awareness regarding opportunities in both countries. Ambassador commended the efforts of CPSD for organizing the event.

Secretary General Foreign Relations CPSD Mr Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi welcomed the worthy guests and participants of the talk. Mr Zubairi said that in 2019 the friendship of Pakistan and the Philippines has seen 70 springs this year. Over this long period of bilateral relationship, both countries have enjoyed the mutually beneficial ties. He highlighted that decades-old ties are focused on security, economic, and developmental sectors. He said that in future, with the contribution of business community, we can witness the increase in magnitude of cooperation and trade relations of both countries. Mr Abdullah Dadabhoy Chairman Dadabhoy Foundation and CPSD thanked the guest speaker, members of diplomatic corps, business community, academia, and government officials for attending the event.