All eyes on PH following landmark EU trade deal
The Manila Times
26 September 2026
THE signing of the free trade deal between the Philippines and the European Union has attracted the attention of Belgian commercial interests, the ambassador of Belgium to Manila said Friday.
Ambassador Vladislava lordanova told a press briefing the Philippines has become a priority market for Belgium, particularly for businesses connected to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Europe’s second-largest port.
“All eyes are on the Philippines,” Iordanova said.
She noted that maritime transport remains a primary pillar of Belgium’s economic engagement with Manila, backed by a collaborative ecosystem of port operators, dredging firms, and logistics providers.
To pave the way for new business ventures, Maartje Driessens, business development head of Port of Antwerp Bruges International (PoABI), the consulting and investment arm of Europe’s second-largest port authority, said that port infrastructure must rapidly scale up to handle expanding trade volumes.
“The free trade agreement is a great momentum... but we need to prepare for that,” Driessens said.
“If we want to ensure a smooth supply chain, it’s important that goods can easily get from A to B. Ports have to be increased in terms of capacity,” she said.
Driessens warned that failure to modernize port facilities, digitize customs processes, and expand regional feeder connections could lead to severe logistics bottlenecks as import and export flows accelerate.
She outlined key priority areas for collaboration, including decongesting the Port of Manila by developing alternative regional gateways and boosting domestic links to agricultural producers in Visayas and Mindanao with major urban centers and export hubs.
To capitalize on the anticipated surge in trade, PoABI has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
The expanded agreement establishes an official framework to modernize Philippine port infrastructure, build institutional capacity, and streamline maritime supply chains.
Training initiatives were also part of the MOU and will be delivered in partnership with the APEC-Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, focusing on both white-collar administrative expertise and blue-collar operational capabilities.
The agreement also lays the groundwork for potential Belgian long-term capital investments in Philippine port facilities.
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