RP ENVOY EXPOUNDS ON CORDIAL RELATIONS BETWEEN RP AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC

07 January 2008 – In an interview with David Craighton of the International Diplomatic Business Magazine in Prague, Philippine Ambassador Carmelita Salas expounded on the enhanced bilateral relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic.

Ambassador Salas was appointed first Philippine Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Czech Republic by Former President Fidel Ramos in 1996. She is a holder of a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of San Carlos in Cebu, and of a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University in New York.

According to Ambassador Salas, RP-Czech bilateral relations emanated from shared values and parallels in their histories. The Philippines, which was under Spanish domination for centuries, was named after a Habsburg King, Philip II. The Habsburgs also dominated Czech lands from 1620  until 1918, when Czechoslovakia emerged at the end of the First World War. The Philippines experienced the Marcos martial law era through a “wave of people power” in 1986. In tandem, the bloodless demonstrations in Prague in November 1989 signaled the end of Soviet domination of the Czech Republic. Both countries also share a commitment to human rights and deeply held values of freedom. Moreover, the friendship of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and Ferdinand Blumentritt, who campaigned for Philippine independence and an authority on Philippine studies, with strong interest in one of the languages of the Philippines, was sparked by scholarly inclinations and nurtured by their shared commitment to freedom and human rights.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries was established in 1973. At that time, both countries were under authoritarian governments, and relations developed strongly only after both countries returned to democracy.  President Vaclav Havel’s state visit to Manila in 1995, initiated  enhanced relations between the Governments of the Czech Republic and the Philippines.

In the economic sphere, Ambassador Salas noted that Philippine-Czech trade relations grew. In 1999. Trade volume was USD 4.33 million. In 2004 it was USD 168.69, with the balance favoring the Philippines by USD 124.31 million. RP’s strongest export items are electronics. RP intends to promote its mining industry. Currently, RP has some of the largest deposits of gold, copper and nickel in the world. Further, the Philippines’ agricultural products, the fashion industry, ecotourism and diving spots are some of the most sought after in the world.

In turn, she observed that the Czech can offer aircraft ideal for inter-island connections, renewable energy generation, Tatra heavy duty trucks suitable for any terrain, equipment for sugar cane mills, and train coaches which are already being utilized in Metro Manila’s transport system.

On trade agreements, Ambassador Salas stated that the Czech republic’s entry in the European Union in 2004 led to the termination of the 1994 RP-Czech Trade Agreement, as well as other agreements that did not comply with EU/EC regulations. Trade between the Philippines and the Czech Republic began under the umbrellas of the 1980 ASEAN-EC Cooperation Agreement governing all trade issues between the two countries. However, the 1980 agreement does not fully cover all possibilities of areas of cooperation, and the Czechs have proposed a new bilateral economic cooperation agreement intended to supplement the Cooperation Agreement, which is now being considered by the Philippine Government. Another existing agreement affected by the EU Czech accession and needing renegotiation is the 1995 Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments.

Ambassador Salas is on track in promoting the Philippines in the Czech Republic. Initially, Czech companies made incursions into the Philippines in 1985. She proposed to set up a framework for creating the proper environment to support economic ventures on both sides. The creation of a Joint Trade Commission followed on the heels of a Trade Agreement with the creation of a Czech Philippine Business Council. An Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investment was signed, as was an agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation. But unfortunately, the Czech EU accession was a setback for RP but discussions are under way to get things back on track.  

As a major venture, RP’s Embassy is participating in a collective enterprise of the 13 resident   Asian Ambassadors in Prague under the auspices of the Lord Mayor of Prague dubbed as “Many Colors of Asia”, a month long exhibition of cultural artifacts, dance, movies, and music, which is a historic first for Prague in terms of presenting the diversity of Asian culture.     

Ambassador Salas is ecstatic on the future relations between the Czech Republic and the Philippines. She emphasized the values of democracy and commitment to human rights of both countries, and being partners in a globalized world, specifically where the Czech Republic can be helpful to the Philippines in the production of transport and other mechanical equipment. The need for technology makes the Philippines  an ideal partner for development cooperation.

In her ten years stay in Prague, she describes Prague as a magnificent city due to every restoration project completed and new lighting installed which illuminates the historic buildings. She observed that there is more concern for the customer today due to the influx of tourists and its impact to service culture. END.

/wingret

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