Guests and speakers at the launch of the Club Comercio Ibero-Filipino at the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona

Barcelona, 13 OCTOBER 2023  — The Philippine Consulate General hosted the launch of the Club Comercio Ibero-Filipino, aimed at enhancing Philippine trade and investment relations with Catalonia, the rest of Spain and the Iberian peninsula, on 10 October 2023 at the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona. Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro welcomed over 30 attendees to the launch, who were also briefed on the prevailing economic circumstances by Filipino economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas. 

In her remarks, Consul General Lazaro underscored the significant role of platforms such as the Club Comercio Ibero-Filipino in fostering robust connections between businesses in the Philippines and those in the peninsula, particularly within the SME sector. 

A focused discussion on fintech by Chris Yuhico of Vinta Ventures, which leads the formation of the CCIF, emphasized fintech’s relevance for SMEs and elucidating its role in promoting operational efficiency. 

Dr. Villegas steered the dialogue towards the Philippine economic situation, offering insights into the prevailing challenges and opportunities available to investors and businesses in the Philippine market. 

Quintin Pastrana of Vinta Ventures introduced the CCIF, highlighting that the club is positioned to enhance networking and collaborative initiatives among Philippine and Catalan businesses, as well as those in the rest of Spain and Andorra. 

The Consulate General remains committed to supporting initiatives that fortify economic ties between the Philippines and those in Spain, particularly in its jurisdiction. END

For more information, please contact: 

The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona
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