The European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP), together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is pushing hard to have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union in place by 2028 latest to ensure a smooth transition to the more comprehensive and permanent FTA to replace the current Sustainable Development and Good Governance Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
“Both sides are committed to concluding negotiations within 2026. The ECCP believes these talks will create more opportunities,” said ECCP President Paulo Duarte earlier this year to ABS-CBN.
As an adjunct to the FTA, the ECCP is also negotiating on behalf of the country to enable its Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to access the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).
The EEN helps businesses innovate and grow on an international scale. It is the world’s largest support network for SMEs which are eyeing the international market.
“The Philippines currently has no partner yet but ECCP is ongoing a process for us to become one,” said Florian Gottein, ECCP Executive Director during his keynote address during a recent ECCP Mixer held in Cagayan de Oro.
“Next week we will present the Philippines at the EEN Steering Committee meeting along with ECCP as its partner. We will also discuss how it will function within the FTA. The Philippines is now negotiating with the EU to replace its GSP+.
The Enterprise Europe Network
The Network is active worldwide. It brings together experts from member organizations that are renowned for their excellence in business support.
Member organizations include chambers of commerce and industry, regional development organizations, universities and research institutes, and innovation agencies.
Business services
Although individual businesses can’t become Network members, they can enjoy the many services offered.
Among its business services offered are Teams of Network experts in each member organization offering personalized services to businesses who are familiar with the local business environment and have contacts for business opportunities worldwide.
The Enterprise Europe Network can also offer a targeted approach aimed specifically at specific business sectors. Its groups of experts cover all key economic sectors, from healthcare, agri-food and intelligent energy to fashion and textile. In addition, the Network will help companies increase their resilience and support SMEs in their transition to more sustainable and digital business models.
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