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NationGov’t signs bilateral agreements with QatarPosted on April 11, 2012 FOUR BILATERAL agreements and one private sector initiative were signed yesterday between the Philippine government and the state of Qatar as witnessed by President Benigno S. C. Aquino III and Qatari Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, a Palace aide announced.Upon his arrival in the Philippines late yesterday afternoon, the Emir immediately proceeded to Malacañang at 5:30 p.m. for a courtesy call with President Aquino. The two leaders then proceeded to the Ramos Room, where the following agreements were signed: The proposed JBC, it was noted, will provide a regular and recognized forum for discussion on promotion of such activities between businessmen and industrialists of the Philippines and Qatar. It is also expected to “facilitate continuous interaction and increase trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.” Also part of the bilateral discussions was the possibility of the Middle Eastern country investing in the public-private partnership (PPP) program of the Philippines, another private sector agreement with property developer Century Properties Group still in the works, and increasing opportunities for the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The State of Qatar is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and is the richest country in terms of gross domestic product per capita. Qatar is host to an estimated 175,000 overseas Filipino workers working in the country. This is the first time that the Emir is visiting the Philippines, at the invitation of the President. After their talk and the signing ceremony, the Emir thanked Mr. Aquino for the invitation, saying that he was happy to accept as he had previously attempted to visit several times before, but the trips did not push through. “We had a good conversation... We discussed a lot of things which I hope is going to benefit both of our countries,” Mr. Al-Thani said. For his part, Mr. Aquino said that the talks will redound to the benefit of the two states, particularly given what he views as an “opportune time” for the country. “Potentials are really becoming realized rather than remaining in the potentials stage,” Mr. Aquino said. On the side of the government, also present at the event were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo, Transport Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, and Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima. A state dinner at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall was also held yesterday to mark the occasion. -- Johanna D. Poblete |
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