More than a year into the current administration, 2017 has so far been a benchmark year for the EU business community in the Philippines. This year, we have seen the continuing negotiations of the EU-Philippine Free Trade Agreement, the first year of the new Administration and Congress, steady economic growth, and the Philippines holding the ASEAN chairmanship. This year, the EU was also named the largest trading partner of the Philippines. With this in mind, the EU-Philippines Business Network (EPBN) is organizing the EU-Philippines Business Summit 2017 with the theme “The EU & the Philippines: Partners for Progress and Prosperity” on October 17, 2017, at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort & Hotel, Manila. We are inviting you to join the most important trade forum to be attended by key figures from the government and private sector.

The EU‐Philippines Business Summit is a trade forum held in celebration of EU‐PHilippine trade and investment ties as well as a key venue for facilitating dialogue between key industry players and the government. We are expecting three hundred fifty (350) participants. The full day event will include three main components. Part I in the morning will focus on EU Investment Strategies: Major Opportunities and Challenges for the EU-PH Business Community followed by a panel discussion on the EU-PH Free Trade Agreement and a presentation of the EPBN’s wishlist of reforms through the handover of the 3rd edition of the EU-Philippine Avocacy Papers. Part II will focus on Creating a More Competitive Business Environment for the Philippines. Part III will focus on the ASEAN integration. Industries that will be put in focus include automotive, ICT, food and beverage, and investing in Europe.