Execs of US eco, energy firms coming

US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr.: US trade mission can help address the growing energy and environmental needs of the Philippine economy

MANILA, Philippines—Representatives of 14 US energy and environmental companies will be coming to Manila this week, the largest American trade delegation to visit the country in years, according to the United States Embassy in Manila.

The delegates, from top firms offering products and services in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable engineering, will be in Manila on Sept. 19-20 to meet with Philippine officials and potential business partners and customers.

“While in Manila, the mission members will hold business to business meetings with potential distributors and customers, along with discussions with Philippine government officials,” the embassy said in a statement Tuesday.

US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said the firms could provide services urgently needed by the country’s growing economy.

Experience and expertise

“These companies have immense experience and expertise in the renewable energy sector in the US and worldwide. I believe they can help address the growing energy and environmental needs of the Philippine economy,” he said.

The trade mission will be the fourth from the United States this year, with the next one focusing on US colleges and universities set in October.

The Office of the US Trade Representative has described US-Philippine trade ties as “very close” in the last century, with total bilateral trade volume as of 2011 at $22 billion.

The Philippines is America’s 36th-largest trading partner with total exchange of $17.6 billion in 2012.

More recently, the Philippines became the first Asian country to export bananas to the United States with the first shipment of Cavendish bananas from Bukidnon arriving in Los Angeles. The United States is expected to import a total of 3,000 metric tons of Philippine bananas this year, according to the Philippine Embassy in Washington.