Nordic countries support Du30’s agenda

Nordic ambassadors have expressed keen interest to do more business in the Philippines, lured by the promising 10-point socioeconomic agenda of the Duterte administration.

The target was to double over the next five years the existing 500-million euro bilateral trade between the Philippines and the Nordic countries, which include Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, said Bo Lundqvist, president of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

“We want to participate in the future of the Philippines and in the 10-point agenda. We’re going to look at the opportunities to build and transform businesses, transfer skills and technology, find business partnerships and outsource business processes here. We believe that the Nordic countries have the right skills, technology and products to support the realization of the 10-point socioeconomic agenda. We also believe that the Nordic markets offer exciting business opportunities for Philippine businesses for goods and services,” Lundqvist explained.

Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen said they “can sign up to the whole agenda,” which he described as progressive and future-oriented.

According to Christensen, the government’s agenda offers support to an open economy, increased competitiveness, inclusive development and serious fight against corruption.

“With consistent and clear policy announcements and quick implementation, more Danish companies will engage with the Philippines,” he added.

Swedish Ambassador-designate Harald Fries noted the “fundamentals here are right” and that growth can be supported by this agenda, while Norwegian Ambassador Erik Forner cited the current administration for “doing a good job” given its thrust towards fighting poverty, ending conflict, and further easing the process of doing business in the country.

While the Nordic ambassadors all lauded efforts to end conflicts in restive areas and the drug and corruption issues, they also sought for economic reforms particularly in relaxing foreign ownership restrictions to allow more businesses to set up shop here.