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Australia, Britain Criticize China for Actions in Hong Kong
SYDNEY - Australia and Britain on Friday criticized China for its actions in Hong Kong and the South China Sea and its support of Russia, after a meeting in which London and Canberra deepened their security ties.The two countries called out 'recent unsafe and destabilizing behavior by China's vessels against Philippine vessels and crew near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea,' in a statement that contain.....»»
GCash sets sights on further international expansion
With GCash Overseas, Filipinos in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, Qatar, Kuwait, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia can now download and use the GCash app, whether they have Philippine SIMs or local mobile phone numbers in the countries or territories where they live......»»
Special ASEAN Regional Summit in Australia
SYDNEY - Although Australia isn't a member of ASEAN, the country is hosting a summit of leaders from nine members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.Strengthening economic and security ties will be the focus for the Canberra government, which has set aside $186.7 million to help countries in Southeast Asia and more broadly in the Indo-Pacific region boost their maritime security.Analysts say Au.....»»
Australia Hosting Special ASEAN Regional Summit
SYDNEY - Although Australia isn't a member of ASEAN, the country is hosting a summit of leaders from nine members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.Strengthening economic and security ties will be the focus for the Canberra government, which has set aside $186.7 million to help countries in Southeast Asia and more broadly in the Indo-Pacific region boost their maritime security.Analysts say Au.....»»
Special ASEAN Regional Summit in Australia
SYDNEY - Although Australia isn't a member of ASEAN, the country is hosting a summit of leaders from nine members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.Strengthening economic and security ties will be the focus for the Canberra government, which has set aside $186.7 million to help countries in Southeast Asia and more broadly in the Indo-Pacific region boost their maritime security.Analysts say Au.....»»
Australia Hosting Special ASEAN Regional Summit
SYDNEY - Although Australia isn't a member of ASEAN, the country is hosting a summit of leaders from nine members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.Strengthening economic and security ties will be the focus for the Canberra government, which has set aside $186.7 million to help countries in Southeast Asia and more broadly in the Indo-Pacific region boost their maritime security.Analysts say Au.....»»
Global stocks weak as ME fears persist
Global stock markets slid Friday on worries that an expected ground invasion of Gaza by Israel would spark a wider conflict in the Middle East. Wall Street stocks declined Friday, as investors looked to lower their risk going into the weekend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.9 percent, while the S&P and Nasdaq indexes fell over one percent. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury, which briefly rose this week to levels not seen since 2007 amid concerns the Fed is entering a long period of high-interest rates, slipped slightly. Regina Capital Development Corp. managing director Luis Limlingan added the Federal Reserve has been raising its benchmark lending rate to cool demand and bring down stubborn inflation, with some success. Nevertheless, rates remain stuck above their long-term target of two percent. Local shares ended the week in the red as investors turned more cautious following Fitch Group’s statement that inflation will likely stay elevated for an extended period, Limlingan added. Additionally, the recent statement by Fed Chairperson Jerome Powell “weighed on the local and global markets,” the RCDC executive said. He quoted Powell as saying inflation remains too high and lower economic growth will likely be needed to bring it down. Powell also said he doesn’t think rates are too high now. At the same time, markets are warily eyeing ongoing conflict in the Middle East, for signs it could spread to other countries. “Going into the weekend there is a downward trend as short-term investors try to square positions,” Jack Ablin, Cresset Capital’s chief investment officer, said. “There is an unwillingness from certain investors (to) hold risk positions over the weekend,” he added. Major stock markets in Europe closed down more than one percent, while those in Asia also saw declines. Double geopolitical whammy The US Federal Reserve warned that the recent attack on Israel and the ongoing Ukraine conflict could cause harm to the world economy and boost global inflation. Hamas carried out a deadly attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated, or burned to death, according to Israeli officials. “The attack on Israel, in conjunction with Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, has ratcheted up geopolitical tensions,” the Fed said in its semi-annual report on financial stability. with AFP The post Global stocks weak as ME fears persist appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US army chief and allies discuss Asia-Pacific in India
Army chiefs and senior officers from 30 countries including the United States met in India Tuesday to discuss threats facing the Asia-Pacific region, in the face of concern at an increasingly assertive China. US Army chief Randy George said the region was "critically important", speaking to reporters alongside his Indian counterpart Manoj Pande, and vowed to boost cooperation to "maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific". Generals from Japan and Australia, which make up the "Quad" defense cooperation forum alongside Washington and New Delhi, also took part, as did Britain and France. As the generals met, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Beijing would oppose the "wanton expansion of military alliances", the latest in a string of warnings as Washington deepens security ties in the Asia-Pacific. Beijing has long said that any effort to establish a NATO-like military alliance in the Asia-Pacific would provoke conflict. Nations present at the two-day conference in New Delhi included Vietnam and the Philippines, both of which have longstanding pending territorial disputes with China. The conference, which launched in 1999, brings together army chiefs and top officers from 30 countries. India's Pande said the region faced challenges on both land and at sea. "These range from territorial disputes over land masses, or in some cases, even over artificially expanded islands to acquire real estate and establish military bases," Pande added, in an indirect reference to China. India has also had to balance its traditional alliance with Russia -- the provider of most of its arms imports, and now a source of cut-price oil -- with growing ties to Washington. "The partnership between India and the US armies is vital for stability in the region, and the relationship between our armies is strong and growing stronger," George said. The post US army chief and allies discuss Asia-Pacific in India appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden recognizes two Pacific nations in move to counter China
President Joe Biden said the United States officially recognized the Pacific nations of Cook Islands and Niue Monday, as he hosted regional leaders in a bid to wrest influence from China. The announcement came at the start of a summit with the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, where US officials said the president was announcing a more assertive American stance in the region. Biden said in statements that Washington recognized the Cook Islands and Niue as "sovereign and independent" states and would establish diplomatic relations with both. The move would help maintain a "free and open Indo-Pacific region," said Biden. Biden added that the deals to recognize the two nations would also help curb illegal fishing, deal with climate change in a vulnerable region and boost economic growth. The Cook Islands and Niue together have fewer than 20,000 inhabitants but constitute a sprawling economic zone in the South Pacific. Both are self-governing nations in "free association" with New Zealand, meaning that their foreign and defense policies are in varying degrees linked to Wellington. After decades of being treated as a relative backwater, the South Pacific has become an important arena for competition between the United States and an increasingly assertive China. China has dramatically ramped up its economic, political and military footprint in the strategic ocean region. 'Assertiveness' There is "no question that there is some role that the PRC has played in all this," a senior White House official said on condition of anonymity, referring to China by the abbreviation of its formal name. China's "assertiveness and influence, including in this region, has been a factor that requires us to sustain our strategic focus." The forum brings together states and territories scattered across the Pacific Ocean, from Australia to sparsely populated micro-states and archipelagos. But China's influence will be felt through the absence of the prime minister of the Solomon Islands, now closely aligned with Beijing. Manasseh Sogavare, who was in New York last week to attend the UN General Assembly, did not extend his stay in the United States. "We're disappointed that he's chosen not to come to this very special summit," another White House official said. Biden had been due to follow up last year's inaugural summit with a meeting of Pacific leaders this May, in Papua New Guinea. But he cut short an Asia trip and returned stateside to address a debt-ceiling crisis. For the Washington summit, Biden has prepared a full program, kicking off with an afternoon of American football on Sunday. The leaders traveled by train to Baltimore, where they were guests of honor at an NFL game between the port city's Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts. Monday's agenda features meetings and a lunch with Biden. On Tuesday, the leaders will meet with top officials on climate and the economy, and spend time with US lawmakers. The post Biden recognizes two Pacific nations in move to counter China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Valiram eyes airport outlet expansion
Malacañang confirmed that the Malaysian retail specialist, Valiram Group, is eyeing the expansion of its operations in the Philippines by developing airport outlets for duty-free retail tourism. The commitment was made during the meeting of Valiram Group officials with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Singapore on Saturday, according to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil. She said Valiram’s development priorities include having duty-free access at the airports. “The company is building more airport walk-through stores personalized to provide customers with a pleasant shopping experience,” she added. Present during the meeting with Marcos were Valiram Group executive directors Mukesh Valiram, Ashvin Valiram, and Sharan Valiram; Esquire Financing chairperson and chief executive officer Rajan Uttamchandani; and Ayala Corp. chief sustainability and risk officer Jaime Zobel Urquijo. Citing the statement of one of the Valiram executives, Garafil said the Malaysian retail specialist is seeking the immediate expansion of its operations in the Philippines in the next five years. She added that Valiram wants to bring some of its brands that are not yet represented in the Philippines, “in an effort to elevate customer experience to another level” by giving them more space at the nation’s gateways, removing the stress and hassles of security checks. “Things like… complementing Victoria’s Secret, Bath and Body Works, and some of our partners’ work in Southeast Asia have expressed interest. Their business is small, currently in the Philippines. And they want to see if we can help us over there and try and amplify them in the local market,” Garafil said, quoting one of the Valiram executives. Marcos Jr. acknowledged the vital role of retail business in the Philippine economy, adding that Valiram could also help boost the country’s tourism industry. “It is an important sector of the economy. It’s what’s driving the economy now, it’s consumer spending,” he told Valiram officials, as quoted by the PCO. Philippine officials who were at the meeting included Garafil, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Special Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, and Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Antonio Macaraig. More investors Romualdez, for his part, expressed support for the President’s thrust to encourage more investors to come to the Philippines, noting that Congress is focusing on crafting legislation or laws that govern the treatment and appreciation of foreign investments into the country. Romualdez stressed that “Congress is moving under his leadership by streamlining those laws.” Established in 1935 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Valiram is Southeast Asia’s leading luxury goods and retail specialist with a presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau and Vietnam. Operating more than 350 stores, a number which continues to grow, the group represents more than 200 brands across various categories, from fashion and accessories, timepieces and jewelry, perfume, and cosmetics to confectionery and dining concepts. The post Valiram eyes airport outlet expansion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palace: Malaysian-based Valiram eyes dev’t of airport outlets in Phl
Malacañang confirmed that the Malaysian retail specialist, Valiram Group, is eyeing the expansion of its operations in the Philippines by developing airport outlets for duty-free retail tourism. The commitment was made during the meeting of Valiram Group officials with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Singapore on Saturday, according to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil. Garafil said that Valiram’s development priorities include having duty-free access at the airports. “The company is building more airport walk-through stores personalized to provide customers with a pleasant shopping experience,” she added. Present during the meeting with Marcos were Valiram Group executive directors Mukesh Valiram, Ashvin Valiram, and Sharan Valiram; Esquire Financing chairperson and chief executive officer Rajan Uttamchandani; and Ayala Corp. chief sustainability and risk officer Jaime Zobel Urquijo. Citing the statement of one of the Valiram executives, Garafil said the Malaysian retail specialist is seeking the immediate expansion of its operations in the Philippines in the next five years. She added that Valiram wants to bring some of its brands that are not yet represented in the Philippines, “in an effort to elevate customer experience to another level” by giving them more space at the nation’s gateways, removing the stress and hassles of security checks. “Things like… complementing Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, and some of our partners' work in Southeast Asia have expressed interest. Their business is small, currently in the Philippines. And they want to see if we can help us over there and try and amplify them in the local market,” Garafil said, quoting one of the Valiram executives. Marcos acknowledged the vital role of retail business in the Philippine economy, adding that Valiram could also help boost the country’s tourism industry. “It’s an important sector of the economy. It’s what’s driving the economy now, it’s consumer spending,” he told Valiram officials, as quoted by the PCO. Philippine officials who were at the meeting included Garafil, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Special Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, and Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Antonio Macaraig. Romualdez, for his part, expressed support for the President’s thrust to encourage more investors to come to the Philippines. The house speaker noted that Congress is focusing on crafting legislation or laws that govern the treatment and appreciation of foreign investments into the country. Romualdez stressed that “Congress is moving under his leadership by streamlining those laws.” “And we are also looking at the totality of the body of laws and looking at older, or laws that are either obsolete or archaic, or those are so-called timely to encourage more foreign investors,” Romualdez said, partly in Filipino. He said the administration’s efforts are aligned with the “Foreign Investments Act and the details to open up the economy for foreign direct investments.” Established in 1935 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Valiram is Southeast Asia’s leading luxury goods and retail specialist with a presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau and Vietnam. Operating more than 350 stores, a number which continues to grow, the group represents more than 200 brands across various categories, from fashion and accessories, timepieces and jewelry, perfume, and cosmetics to confectionery and dining concepts. The post Palace: Malaysian-based Valiram eyes dev’t of airport outlets in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US, Vietnam agree to deepen ties as China worries grow
US President Joe Biden hailed closer ties with Vietnam on Sunday as the two countries struck a deal to deepen cooperation, including on semiconductors, but said he was not aiming to contain China. The "comprehensive strategic partnership" with Hanoi is part of Washington's push to bolster its network of allies around Asia and the Pacific in the face of Beijing's rising influence. Biden accused Beijing of seeking to bend the international order to its will. "One of the things that is going on now is China is beginning to change some of the rules of the game, in terms of trade and other issues," Biden said. Sometimes to Beijing's chagrin, Washington has invested heavily in building alliances as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, including the Quad security dialogue with India, Australia and Japan, and the AUKUS pact with Britain and Australia. Biden said he wanted establish clear ground rules for relations. "I don't want to contain China. I just want to make sure we have a relationship with China that is on the up and up, squared away, everybody knows what it's all about," he said. Biden flew in to Hanoi straight from a G20 summit that failed to agree to a phase-out of fossil fuels and highlighted deep divisions over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The US president said he had met Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the G20 -- a meeting the White House had not announced -- and discussed "stability". Semiconductor deal Global supply chain shocks and fears about US reliance on China for strategic resources have further driven the push to boost ties with the likes of Vietnam. The new partnership includes an agreement on semiconductors, with the United States committing to help Vietnam develop its capabilities and expand production. There is also a section on rare earth minerals, which used in the manufacture of high-tech devices such as smartphones and electric car batteries. Vietnam has the world's second-largest deposits of rare earths after China and US officials say it has a key role to play as it looks to diversify and strengthen its supply chains. Biden moved last month to restrict US investment in Chinese technology in sensitive areas including semiconductors, quantum computing and artificial intelligence. "This can be the beginning of even a greater era of cooperation," Biden said as he met Nguyen Phu Trong, the head of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party and the country's paramount leader. "Vietnam and the United States are critical partners at what I would argue is a very critical time." The deal puts the United States on a par with China -- as well as Russia, India and South Korea -- at the top level of the Vietnamese hierarchy of diplomatic relations. Trong thanked Biden for his contribution to improving US-Vietnamese ties and said his country would work hard to implement the new agreement. Although it is careful to be seen as not taking sides between the United States and China, Vietnam shares US concerns about its neighbour's growing assertiveness in the contested South China Sea. However, The New York Times reported just ahead of Biden's visit that Vietnam was secretly arranging to buy arms from Russia in contravention of US sanctions. The report cited a Vietnamese finance ministry document that laid out plans to fund arms purchases from the Kremlin through a joint oil and gas project in Siberia. AFP has contacted the Vietnamese government for comment. US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer told reporters that Washington acknowledged Vietnam's decades-long military relationship with Russia. But he said there was "increasing discomfort on the part of the Vietnamese with that relationship", and the new partnership would help Hanoi "diversify away from those partnerships" by allowing it to source from the United States and its allies. Human rights Biden said he had raised human rights in his meeting with Trong and pledged to "continue our candid dialogue in that regard". Vietnam has a dire rights record. Government critics face intimidation, harassment and imprisonment after unfair trials, and there are reports of police torture to extract confessions, Human Rights Watch says. While Biden has often criticised China's human rights record, he has largely stayed quiet on Vietnam and campaigners feared he may not raise the subject. On Monday Biden visit a Hanoi memorial to his friend John McCain, the former US senator shot down and held captive during the Vietnam War who in later years helped rebuild ties between the two countries. The post US, Vietnam agree to deepen ties as China worries grow appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden widens web of US alliances faced with China, Russia, Trump
With a historic three-way summit with Japan and South Korea, President Joe Biden has further deepened the web of US partnerships in a determined signal to adversaries despite question marks on the political climate at home. Since Biden took office in 2021, NATO has expanded and mostly closed ranks over Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- and, in clear if unstated responses to an assertive China, the United States forged a new three-way defense pact with Australia and Britain and ramped up work through the four-way Quad involving Australia, India and Japan. The United States already has security alliances with Japan and South Korea, together the bases for some 84,500 troops, but will now also plan three-way, multi-year military exercises across all domains along with real-time information-sharing and a crisis hotline. Jon Alterman, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that alliances were "baked" into the mindset of Biden, who was a senator at the end of the Cold War. Partnerships can increase other countries' faith in the direction of the United States, Alterman added. "This administration believes deeply in the centrality -- not the importance, the centrality -- of partnerships," he said. "The challenge is, all of our partners remember the previous administration, they look at the polling numbers, and they have absolutely no confidence in where the US is going to be in two years' time, five years' time or 10 years' time," he said. Previous president Donald Trump loudly questioned the value of alliances, insisting that countries such as Germany and South Korea were not paying enough for the US troop presence and scoffing at NATO's commitments of mutual defense to all allies. Trump is again seeking the White House and recent opinion polls have also shown softening support for US military assistance to Ukraine, which has totaled $43 billion since Russia's attack. Asked about Trump at a news conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Camp David presidential retreat, Biden said that his predecessor's "America First policy, walking away from the rest of the world, has made us weaker, not stronger." "America is strong with our allies and our alliances, and that's why we will endure," Biden said. Tougher task in Asia Whereas in Europe the United States has led a common defense for decades under NATO, in Asia -- seen by Biden as the critical region -- Washington has navigated individual alliances with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and Thailand. One reason for the hodgepodge has been historical animosity between Japan and South Korea, with the Camp David summit until recently unthinkable. Yoon has turned the page by resolving a dispute over Japan's wartime forced labor of Koreans. Yoon, Kishida and Biden said they shared the same vision of a "rules-based international order" -- a nod to China's muscle-flexing in Asia but also to Ukraine, of which Japan and South Korea have been prominent non-Western supporters. China denounced the Camp David initiative, with state media saying the United States was raising tensions by creating a "mini-NATO," although there was no three-way mutual defense promise. Shihoko Goto, acting director of the Asia program at the Wilson Center, doubted that the three countries were even aspiring to collective self-defense but said their new cooperation was part of an "interweaving" with existing alliance arrangements. "As a single thread it may be weak, but because it is going to be part of that fabric and making it into a multi-layered approach, it would actually be really strong," she said. Risks await Biden has also moved bilaterally with countries concerned about Russia and China. He has said he plans to travel shortly to boost ties with Vietnam, whose tensions with Beijing run deep. But one of his big bets, India, has stood firm on its historic refusal to join alliances and is also taking part this week in a summit with Russia and China of the BRICS bloc of emerging economies. Trump is not the only wild card for the future. In South Korea, Yoon is only allowed a single term, which ends in 2027. "If an ultra-leftist South Korean president and an ultra-right wing Japanese leader are elected in their next cycles, or even if Trump or someone like him wins in the US, then any one of them could derail all the meaningful, hard work the three countries are putting in right now," said Duyeon Kim, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. The post Biden widens web of US alliances faced with China, Russia, Trump appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAL first-half gains bankroll fleet boost
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines or PAL reported on Friday that its net income during the first half of the year more than tripled to P13.6 billion from last year’s P4.1 billion. In a stock exchange disclosure, the company said its operating income during the period also swelled to P17.4 billion from P6.6 billion recorded a year ago. Notably, the airline’s stellar growth was driven by an 89-percent increase in the number of passengers it flew during the period, which reached 7 million as of end-June. Likewise, it logged over 50,400 operated flights, translating to a 56-percent growth from last year’s numbers. This, according to PAL, led to an 81.6-percent improvement in the average passenger load factor. Given this trend, PAL said its passenger revenues climbed to P78.2 billion from P33.1 billion last year. However, its cargo revenue dropped by 54 percent to last year due to fewer cargo charter flights to give way to more passenger flights amid a demand surge. To sustain the growth momentum, PAL said it plans to invest P176.6 billion to acquire nine Airbus A350-1000 long-range jetliners to widen its fleet. Along with it, PAL will also increase its customer care and contact center agents by rolling out a new customer relations management system before the end of the year. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in new aircraft, improved cabins, and enhanced travel experience for our valued customers,” PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng said in the report. “The latest positive financial results enable us to build a better, stronger, and more agile Philippine Airlines that creates greater value for our customers, and we are grateful for their continuing support and patronage.” Within the first half, PAL restored flights to several routes in mainland China and launched nonstop services to Perth along with flights from Clark to Caticlan and Boracay. In addition to an extensive network of 32 domestic destinations served from Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao, PAL operated the largest network of nonstop flights between the Philippines and North America, Japan, the Middle East and Australia. The post PAL first-half gains bankroll fleet boost appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Step in the right direction
Resuming free trade talks with the European Union or EU holds immense importance for the Philippines in the pursuit of economic prosperity and sustainability. This is because, in an interconnected world, international trade serves as a catalyst for economic growth and development. As a rapidly emerging market in Southeast Asia, the country, therefore, stands to gain substantial economic benefits, the EU being one of the world’s largest economies. A renewed trade agreement, as initiated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the latter’s recent visit, would foster increased bilateral trade and investment that could lead to a diversified market for Philippine products, enabling us to access over 450 million consumers in Europe. Moreover, such collaboration could pave the way for enhanced foreign direct investment, further bolstering the country’s economic growth prospects. By re-establishing trade talks, the Philippines gains the opportunity to access the vast EU market without significant trade barriers. This would promote exports of various Philippine goods and services, including agricultural products, electronics, textiles and services like business process outsourcing. The removal of tariffs and non-tariff barriers would make Philippine goods more competitive in the European market, increasing the country’s export potential and contributing to a more balanced trade relationship. Engaging in free trade talks with the EU can also foster technology transfer and innovation. The EU is a global leader in research and development, especially in sectors like renewable energy, information technology and biotechnology. Collaborating with the EU would enable the Philippines to access advanced technologies and expertise, thus catalyzing industrial growth and modernization. Moreover, the infusion of modern technologies would lead to increased productivity and efficiency in various sectors, ensuring that the Philippines remains competitive on the global stage. The resumption of free trade talks with the EU offers an opportunity to address environmental and social concerns and promote sustainable development. This is because the EU places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and has stringent environmental and labor standards. By aligning with EU regulations, the Philippines can improve its environmental practices, ensure fair labor conditions, and boost the country’s image as a responsible trading partner. Sustainable development not only benefits the environment and society but also enhances the country’s appeal to international investors and consumers who prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly products. Beyond the economic advantages, renewing trade talks with the EU has significant geopolitical implications for the Philippines. It reinforces the country’s commitment to open trade and multilateralism amid growing protectionist sentiments in various parts of the world. Moreover, strengthening ties with the EU can lead to deeper diplomatic cooperation, providing the Philippines with greater geopolitical leverage in regional and international forums. Such alliances can help the Philippines address geopolitical challenges and work towards shared goals, including climate change, peacekeeping, and humanitarian efforts. It is therefore of paramount importance for the Philippines to resume such free trade talks with one of the world’s biggest economies. The potential economic benefits, enhanced market access, technological advancements, sustainable development prospects, and geopolitical implications make it a strategic move. By fostering a closer economic relationship with the EU, the Philippines can diversify its markets, attract more investments, access advanced technologies, and promote sustainable practices. Furthermore, it signals the country’s commitment to open trade and collaboration in an interconnected global economy. The post Step in the right direction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Enhancing economic diplomacy worldwide
Since assuming office in 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has embarked on 11 foreign visits aimed at enhancing diplomatic relations, fostering economic ties, and promoting international cooperation. His foreign visits hold significant importance in shaping the country’s global standing and pursuing its national interests. One of the Chief Executive’s primary objectives in his global forays is to strengthen regional ties within Southeast Asia. Recognizing the importance of regional cooperation, he has engaged with neighboring countries through bilateral meetings and participation in regional summits. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="161524,161523"] By promoting dialogue and collaboration, President Marcos Jr. aims to address mutual challenges such as climate change, maritime security, and terrorism that affect the region collectively. In particular, Marcos Jr. prioritized forging stronger ties with traditional allies like the United States, Japan and Australia. These visits have sought to reaffirm existing partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the fields of trade, defense, and technology. Another critical aspect of the President’s foreign visits was to boost economic diplomacy and attract foreign investments to the Philippines. Recognizing the need for economic growth and job creation, he has engaged in high-level discussions with leaders and business representatives from various countries. These interactions have aimed to showcase the Philippines as an attractive investment destination and foster international confidence in the country’s economic prospects. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="161520,161521,161519,161514,161516,161518"] As part of his economic diplomacy efforts, President Marcos Jr. has also participated in international economic forums and trade summits, advocating for fair trade practices and increased market access for Philippine products and services. These engagements have helped position the Philippines as an active player in the global economy, enabling the country to benefit from the opportunities of an interconnected world. In these engagements, the President has demonstrated a commitment to addressing global challenges and representing the Philippines on the international stage. His participation in multilateral forums such as the United Nations General Assembly, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN Summit, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC Summit have allowed him to engage with world leaders on various pressing issues. During his first year in office, President Marcos Jr. has been confronted with several international crises and humanitarian challenges. His foreign visits have presented opportunities to strengthen cooperation with other nations in times of need. As the world continues to grapple with complex challenges, the President’s diplomatic efforts have aimed to position the Philippines as a responsible and active member of the international community. The impact of his foreign visits will continue to shape the country’s relations with the world and its pursuit of national interests on the global stage. The post Enhancing economic diplomacy worldwide appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Australia, US open large-scale war games
SYDNEY (AFP) — Australia opened a large-scale joint military exercise with the United States and almost a dozen other nations on Friday, as a senior officer revealed that a Chinese spy ship was following the proceedings. Officials formally launched the biennial Talisman Sabre exercise, involving more than 30,000 troops from 13 nations, including Britain, Japan, Indonesia, Canada and France. The drills come amid increasing concern about the threat posed to the region by China, which is not part of the military exercise. Speaking at a news conference onboard the HMAS Canberra, Australia’s Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton told reporters that a Chinese spy ship had been spotted off the country’s northeastern coast the previous day. “We reached out on Thursday and hailed that vessel in the Coral Sea,” he said. “It’ll move down, I expect, and join the exercise or be in the location of the exercise again. They’ve done this for a number of years — we’re well-prepared for it.” He said the Chinese response to Australia’s communication had been “courteous and in accordance with normal norms at sea.” Australia and the United States have made it clear that they have their eyes on China’s activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia has announced moves to develop military facilities in its northern region, while also saying that the US military presence there will increase in coming years. A US “Indo-Pacific Strategy” last year announced efforts to work more closely with regional allies to “shape the region around China” to blunt Beijing’s influence. Lieutenant General Bilton said Australian defense officials “haven’t reached out to the Chinese specifically” ahead of the military exercise. He added: “This exercise is about us, it’s about our partner nations, building interoperability, trust and our ability to respond together to whatever crisis might exist in our region in the future.” For two weeks, until 4 August, troops will participate in field training, amphibious landings, ground force maneuvers, air combat and maritime operations. Most of this year’s exercise will take place in the northeastern Australian state of Queensland. The post Australia, US open large-scale war games appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pakistan Int’l Container Terminal, SeaLead launch Pakistan-Australia direct service
Pakistan International Container Terminal Limited, International Container Terminal Services, Inc.'s subsidiary operating at the Port of Karachi, has partnered with Singaporean shipping line SeaLead to establish a direct service between Pakistan and Australia. Calling regional ports across Malaysia, Australia and Pakistan, the newly launched ASI service enables easy and efficient connection between markets in South Asia and Australia. With the arrival of the service at the Port of Karachi, PICT looks to strengthen trade patronage with global customers and cater to growing trade demands. The ASI service will substantially benefit importers and exporters through the faster and more cost-efficient route that provides direct access to Asian and Australian ports, and eventually allow new businesses and growth areas to emerge within the associated economies. “We look to provide unmatched supply chain solutions to local and global trade stakeholders. Through our partnership with SeaLead, customers in both Pakistani and Australian markets will benefit through direct port linkages that enable economies to grow,” said Khurram Aziz Khan, PICT chief executive officer, “PICT will remain resilient in its efforts to make this collaboration a successful venture for all stakeholders,” he added. The ASI service, which handles both shipper-owned and carrier-owned containers, is also expected to provide PICT’s trade allies a competitive edge within the industry. With Pakistan as a commercial hub connecting several geographical regions, the PICT-SeaLead partnership will boost the country’s foreign trade through the enhanced and efficient access to and from Australian markets. Operating Berths 6 to 9 at the East Wharf of the Karachi Port, Pakistan International Container Terminal is the preferred terminal for the Indian subcontinent trade routes. The common-use terminal offers excellent connections to Central Asia, Afghanistan and the Western China hinterlands. Headquartered and established in 1988 in Manila, Philippines, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. is in the business of port development, management and operations. ICTSI’s portfolio of terminals and projects are located in developed and emerging market economies in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Independent with no shipping or consignee-related interests, ICTSI works and transacts transparently with all stakeholders of the supply chain. ICTSI continues to receive global acclaim for its public-private partnerships, which are focused on sustainable development, and supported by corporate social responsibility initiatives. (www.ictsi.com) The post Pakistan Int’l Container Terminal, SeaLead launch Pakistan-Australia direct service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Herbosa pushes healthcare reforms
Dr. Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa took his oath on Tuesday as secretary of the Department of Health, a position that had been vacant since June last year. He was sworn into office by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang. Herbosa pledged to fully implement the Universal Health Care Law, or UHCL, by sustaining its gains, strengthening health sector strategy interventions and introducing healthcare reforms. The UHCL, or Republic Act 11223, was enacted in 2019 to provide universal health coverage for all Filipinos, regardless of their income or employment status. “The DoH family welcomes this development, as this is crucial to the department’s operations. With this transition, the DoH ensures that healthcare services will remain unhampered,” the agency said. Marcos named Herbosa Health secretary Monday night, putting him at the helm of the department vice Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, who had led the agency since July of last year. Vergeire assured the public that DoH will provide “all-out support” and a smooth transition for Herbosa. “Secretary Ted can be assured of our sincere support from the whole DoH family,” she said. Before his appointment, Herbosa served as an undersecretary at the DoH from 2010 to 2015, contributing to various initiatives such as the establishment of the Hospital Accreditation Commission, modernizing the Philippine Orthopedics Center, and promoting public-private partnerships in health. He is also a former undersecretary and concurrent regional director at the DoH-National Capital Regional Office. From October 2017 to April 2021, Herbosa served as executive vice president of the University of the Philippines System, contributing to its development and growth. He has held various key positions, including chief of the Division of Trauma at the Department of Surgery, Philippine General Hospital; chairman of the board of Physicians for Peace Philippines, and third vice president of the UP Alumni Association. He has likewise served as a professor in the Emergency Department at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and at the National University of Malaysia. Herbosa has been involved in numerous international roles and collaborations, including serving on the board of directors of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine. He is a former medical consultant and adviser for the Australasian Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians in Melbourne, Australia, and Regional Education Coordinator for the HOPE (Hospital Preparedness and Emergencies) Program at Johns Hopkins University Center for International Emergencies, Disasters and Refugee Studies in Maryland, USA. Amid the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Herbosa served as a Special Adviser to the National Task Force Against Covid-19, offering guidance and contributing to the formulation of strategies to mitigate the impact of the virus. He also served as an international consultant in several countries, including Palau, Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam, Tunisia and Thailand, making notable contributions to emergency medicine and trauma care. Dr. Herbosa’s involvement in the development of the STOP DEATH Program and his membership in the Safe Surgery Saves Lives Global Task Force, which developed the WHO safe surgery checklist, demonstrated his dedication to improving healthcare systems. ‘Interestingly, Gibo is a trained pilot. And he knows that our defense requirements are evolving from mainly insurgency-based to more territorial protection — and that requires air superiority in our own airspace.’ Herbosa also held a prominent position as a professor at the College of Medicine at the University of the Philippines Manila. Aside from Herbosa, Marcos named Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. as secretary of the Department of National Defense. Meanwhile, senators expressed their support for the appointments of Teodoro and Herbosa as Defense and Health chiefs, respectively. “Secretary Teodoro is a tried and tested public servant and we trust that he will head the Department of Defense most capably, particularly amid this atmosphere of brewing tensions in our waters,” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said in a statement. “And we are happy to see the Department of Health helmed by an experienced public health expert. Secretary Herbosa’s appointment comes at an opportune time, with our Regional Specialty Centers Act having just gotten bicameral approval, and we are hopeful that he will spearhead a truly whole-of-nation approach in the improvement of our public health services,” he added. He said with the appointments of Teodoro and Herbosa, the President has “just addressed the two most pressing challenges of our time — territorial integrity and our full recovery from the pandemic.” “Their appointments should give a big boost to our fight to have a secure and stronger nation supported by a healthy population,” he said. Likewise, Senator Grace Poe welcomed the appointments of the new department heads. “We trust that their expertise and experience in their respective fields will help them carry out the gargantuan tasks that lie ahead,” she said in a separate statement. Poe said the new secretaries are “crucial in deciding and implementing strategies in addressing the various health issues we are facing and in upholding the country’s territorial integrity against various threats.” “Focus and commitment on the job coupled with straight and true service will fortify our health and defense sectors and deliver the services our people deserve,” she added. Senator JV Ejercito urged Teodoro to ensure the successful modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “We need to expedite these efforts to put up a robust defense posture and reinforce our coastal defenses amid the growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea,” he said. Meanwhile, former Health secretary, now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, wished Herbosa all the luck and the perseverance to deliver accessible healthcare to Filipinos. According to Garin, the DoH needs a manager who can oversee the prompt delivery of services to the public. She added Herbosa also needs to tackle the so-called infodemics or the proliferation of fake medical news. Speaker Martin Romualdez and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said the President made the right choices in Teodoro and Herbosa. “Interestingly, Gibo is a trained pilot. And he knows that our defense requirements are evolving from mainly insurgency-based to more territorial protection — and that requires air superiority in our own airspace,” said Salceda. The post Herbosa pushes healthcare reforms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Japan should engage both China, US ‘constructively,’ says DFA’s Manalo
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Tuesday called on Japan to engage both China and the United States “constructively,” following the recent tension in Taiwan Strait involving the two superpower countries. Speaking in a forum at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Japan, Manalo underscored the need to ensure that the security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region maintains trust and confidence among parties, amid the US-China rivalry and other geopolitical pressures. “This regional architecture must empower diplomacy and the rule of law to prevail over any influence engaging in coercion, intimidation, the use and threat of use of force in violation of the UN Charter,” he said. “The Philippines and Japan share a commonality which no other nation in Asia possesses, with the exception of South Korea – our treaty alliance with the United States, our historic and important relationship with America stands alongside our huge economic relationship with China. Hence, our two nations must continue to engage both China and the United States constructively, and support calls for Beijing and Washington to responsibly manage their strategic rivalry,” he added. ‘US-Philippines-Japan trilateral partnership’ Meanwhile, Manalo said that the trilateral security and defense partnership between Manila, Tokyo and Washington is still in its “early stages.” “[T]here was an understanding that we should explore the possibility of trilateral arrangements, but at this stage, we still have to discuss the Terms of Reference, what kind of activities, so it's really very much in the early stages,” he said. “The important thing is there is an understanding of the principle that it would be useful to have such types of trilateral cooperation activities,” he added. To recall, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin previously said that Manila and Washington have agreed to further integrate their “strong bilateral ties” into “multilateral networks” with Japan and Australia. In February, Defense Officer-in-Charge Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. announced that the Philippines and Australia are looking into conducting joint maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea. In the same month, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez said that the country is negotiating with Australia and Japan to join with the US in conducting joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. The post Phl, Japan should engage both China, US ‘constructively,’ says DFA’s Manalo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»