PHILIPPINES REINFORCES TIES WITH CROATIA 

19 January 2007 – Philippine Ambassador to Austria Linglingay F. Lacanlale reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the development of a meaningful trade relationship between the Philippines and Croatia will be the highlight of the visit of Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Croatia and former Minister of Economy Davor Stem to Manila on 28 January to 3 February 2007. 

Ambassador Lacanlale, who holds concurrent jurisdiction over Croatia, stated that despite the “quite erratic” Philippine exports to Croatia, the balance of trade has been in favor of the Philippines. 

“Major exports of the Philippines to Croatia from January to September 2006 were in processed foods, canned tuna, house ware, fashion accessories, and textile yarns, twine and cordages. Croatia, during the same period, exported mostly industrial manufactures and pharmaceutical products,” she said, adding that although trade between the Philippines and Croatia is modest, the potential exists for further expansion of trade between the two countries.  

The Philippines and Croatia have a pending tourism cooperation agreement, and the two countries signed a Protocol on Cooperation two years ago.  Croatian President Stjepan Mesic and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stress that promoting people-to-people contacts, through political and cultural exchanges, among others, would underpin efforts to stimulate business activities between the two countries. 

Ambassador Lacanlale also said that initial discussions are underway to remove the last visa barriers that prevent more Filipino businessmen from traveling to Croatia, while Croatia is looking forward to a future role for Filipino business in its Rijeka Port facilities. 

“The Philippines continues to view with interest the prospect of Croatia's accession to the European Union, its restructuring of its armed forces to qualify for NATO membership, and its normalization of bilateral relations with neighboring countries in order to contribute to the stabilization of the region,” the Ambassador remarked.  

Croatia, for its part, continues to admire the Philippines for its steadfast commitment to democracy and views highly its friendship with the Philippines.  END

/jay

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