PH, Germany to ink deal on maritime trade

The Philippines and Germany are set to sign a joint declaration of intent to enhance its maritime sector cooperation.

This is part of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.'s working visit to Berlin, Germany next week.

Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Elena Algabre said in a Palace press briefing on Friday that this could boost employment opportunities for Filipino seafarers. 

''In Germany, in terms of government-to-government agreements, there will be a joint declaration of intent on strengthening cooperation in maritime sector which will be signed by both country’s transportation agencies,'' Algabre said. 

''This JDI seeks to facilitate maritime trade and mobility of Philippine and German-owned commercial vessels,'' she added. 

Further, the DFA official said that there would be a signing of the cooperation program between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

''I think that’s an acronym in the German language. The cooperation program seeks to continue TESDA and BIBB’s partnership on technical and vocational education and training or TVET,'' she said. 

Marcos, First Lady Louise ''Liza'' Araneta-Marcos, and the entire Philippine delegation will leave for Berlin on Monday.

The Presidential Communications Office said that Marcos would also meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.

He will also have the opportunity to meet with the Filipino community living in Germany. —VAL, GMA Integrated News