By Monsi A. Serrano
Belgium and the Philippines are poised to deepen economic and business relations as both countries marked 80 years of diplomatic ties during the first-ever Belgian Business Gala held in Manila.
Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Vladislava Iordanova described the event as a historic milestone that reflects the growing momentum in Belgian-Philippine relations, particularly in trade, investments, and people-to-people partnerships.
“History is about people, partnerships and possibilities,” Iordanova said in her remarks before diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and members of the Belgian economic mission. “Business partnerships are not built on paper. They are built between people, across sectors, across borders.”
PHOTO BY MONSI A. SERRAno
The gala also served as the official launch platform for the first Belgian Days in Manila, scheduled in 2026, further highlighting Belgium’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Philippines.
The ambassador underscored the strong economic prospects between the Philippines and the European Union, noting the ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the EU and the Philippines.
“The momentum is very strong,” she said, citing the growing Belgian economic presence in the country and the shared ambition to strengthen cooperation further.
Present during the event were Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary for International Trade Allan Gepty, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Dina Joy Amato, and European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro, alongside Belgian trade officials and members of the Belgian business delegation.
Iordanova emphasized that economic diplomacy goes beyond commerce and investments, stressing that business relations are ultimately “human relations.”
“In just a few months as ambassador, I learned something — diplomacy is about building bridges, and economic relations are, after all, human relations,” she said.
The Belgian envoy also highlighted the role of collaboration among the Belgian Embassy, trade offices, chamber of commerce, honorary consuls, and private sector partners in promoting stronger bilateral engagement.
The event gathered representatives from multiple industries and showcased Belgian products, food, beverages, and business innovations, while also creating networking opportunities for Filipino and Belgian stakeholders.
Iordanova encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity to build meaningful partnerships through the gala’s “Building Bridges Through Business” networking sessions.
“It’s not about meeting everyone. It’s about meeting the right people you would like to connect with,” she said.
She concluded by expressing optimism that the gala would become an annual tradition that would help shape the next chapter of Belgian-Philippine relations.
“Let’s celebrate together and build the next 80 years with you, for you, together,” the ambassador said.