(BERLIN, Germany) Bilateral relations between the Philippines and Germany reached another milestone with the signing of agreements on social security, technical vocational training and trade.
During the press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Federal Chancellery, President Benigno S. Aquino said the agreement on social security between the two nations will contribute to providing a context of equality of treatment in the workplace.
The President said the social security agreement would also improve the processing of claims and prevent dual coverage, and would consequently redound to the benefit of both Filipino and German nationals.
Another is a memorandum of understanding between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, or BIBB, which will institutionalize regular dialogue and sharing of best practices between Filipino and German policymakers and experts.
The President said cooperation in technical vocational education and training “will provide an institutional foundation to expand practical cooperation between our respective ministries as well as with the private sector.”
“I am told that German technical expertise were instrumental in the development of the Philippines’ ‘Dual Training System Act of 1994,’ and we continue to harness those expertise towards our mutual gain,” he said during the press conference.
Meanwhile, President Aquino said a cooperation in trade through the exchange of drafts that will formally establish the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Manila, is a welcome sign now that the Philippines is more open for business.
“With this development, we can see enhanced trade and investments, especially among the German Mittelstand; it will also establish the cooperation arrangements with, and between, local German Chambers in Germany and the Philippines,” he said.
President Aquino said the all the three agreements “underscore our common vision to build a Germany and a Philippines where equitable prosperity and shared development are realities enjoyed by our peoples.”
“It is this very context that informs our collective resolve to deepen relations, at a time when we are confronted by complex challenges and needs that require not only the cooperation and understanding between our two countries—but that of the entire community of nations,” he added.
President Aquino is in Germany for the last leg of his four-nation European tour. (PND)
