THE Federal Republic of Germany is a global leader in industrial and technological prowess.
The European country also boasts of a very high standard of living, and is thus a haven for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seeking for professionally fulfilling employment. They started coming years ago to work as health-care workers (such as nurses) and employees in the medical industry.
Filipino seafarers, likewise, man ships from Germany, and form an integral part of the said country’s marine-based sectors.
Speaking of migration and people-to-people linkages, especially in labor relations, 2020 is actually a special year for Germany. Aside from the 30th anniversary of German Reunification on October 3, a milestone in immigration issues was also recently reached on March 1, as the Skilled Labor Immigration Act will enter into force, consequently promoting the influx of skilled-labor experts into the European state.
With regard to German-Philippine relations, this new law has the potential to become a driving force for even stronger and sustainable relations between both countries.
Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel shares her thoughts with Envoys&Expats about the ever-progressing relations between the peoples of her country and the Philippines, particularly in work opportunities, as more Filipinos consider Germany as a land that will further their careers and professions.
(Editor’s note: The German envoy is the second of three diplomats lined up for profile features in this section, in celebration of Women’s Month.)
ENVOYS&EXPATS: In terms of migration, why in your opinion is Germany a country of choice for Filipino workers?
REIFFENSTUEL: One paramount reason is because we share the same basic values based on the Christian religion.
Also, in the past years, a considerable number of Filipinos, including OFWs, have come to Germany. With a vibrant Filipino community now existing and growing all over our country, we are proud to say that it is much easier for Filipinos to feel at home there.
People in Germany appreciate not only the friendly character of Filipinos, but also their great professional expertise in health care and in the services sector. Indeed, these are fields where we see a growing demand.
Last, but not the least, Filipinos enjoy equal treatment from their German colleagues when it comes to remuneration and social services.
Germany has been actively sourcing manpower from the Philippines, especially nurses. How is the work force demand being fulfilled?
In Germany, and also in other European countries, we are confronted with a fast-growing demand for skilled labor, particularly in the health-care and services sector. Germany has taken action at an early stage with a well-structured program in the framework of a government-to-government agreement with the Philippines that comprises a comprehensive package, including language courses, visa formalities and other incentives.
The new Skilled Labor Immigration Act will further improve the framework conditions for Filipino professionals interested in coming to Germany.
Aside from people exchanges, which areas and sectors are both countries engaged in?
We have a good record of cooperation and joint interests in several areas. For instance, the close cooperation to tackle climate change, enhance the energy sector toward better use of the potential of renewable energies, or to promote peace and stability in the context of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao peace process.
Apart from that, we are working on enhancing cultural and academic linkages. Particularly, in the field of education, we support the K-to-12 reform and have set up initiatives to promote vocational training in that context.
I am confident that the momentum that has been created through these projects, which have just reached completion, will be taken further by our Philippine counterparts, and contribute not only in improving the local education system, but also to further enhance the close German-Philippine business relations.
There’s a lot to cover about the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Germany. In a nutshell, how has it progressed over the years?
The relations between our two countries are rich and diverse, based on solid ground and a long tradition that comprise a wide spectrum: from the political sphere, trade and economy, climate and energy issues, to science and culture.
The most important, however, is the close partnership and cooperation between the people of our countries. It is great to see the number of visitors from either of our countries going up, and I am confident that the experiences they make will substantially contribute to a better mutual understanding.
Dr. Jose Rizal can be regarded as the example of par excellence for the friendship among Filipinos and Germans. We are, therefore, currently working on revitalizing these roots in order to create fresh momentum to promote bilateral ties. I hope we can come up with visible results within the next few months.
Of course, there are also challenges, but this is a natural part of a mature and functioning relationship. Especially on issues we don’t agree upon, there is a need for continued exchange and dialogue.
Please describe the trading climate between both countries. What commodities and services exhibit brisk exchanges?
Germany is one of the top 10 trading partners of the Philippines, and has the largest share of the European Union-Philippine trade relations. The overall annual volume of bilateral trade has seen a stable €6 billion, or approximately P328 billion over the past few years.
The majority of imported commodities from Germany are electronic goods, airplanes and machinery, while top Philippine export products to our country include electronics/semiconductors, machinery and gauges/measuring instruments. At the same time, your country is a substantial provider of agriculture products and fish, especially tuna.
The interest to establish, as well as expand trade and business relations is constantly growing, although we have recently seen some hesitation by potential investors to favor the Philippines. I hope that with the consolidation of the framework conditions for business and investors, in particular, with regard to the comprehensive tax reform and clarity of incentives provided, the dynamics will take a positive turn. More so, since the Philippines, with its young and consumer-oriented population, is a promising market for foreign companies.
How are both countries working together to address climate change, being two of the hardest hit by the phenomenon?
Germany is highly engaged in addressing the challenges emerging from climate change. Our government has been a front-runner when it comes to establishing joint projects with partners worldwide.
Around 10 years ago, we launched an international climate initiative under the IKI or Internationale Klimaschutzinitiative that provides substantial project funding to tackle climate change.
The Philippines was identified as a central and pilot country in this endeavor. With more than €60 million, or about P3.4 billion provided for around 27 projects, an impressive range and number of joint initiatives have been conducted and are running successfully.
Regarding your stint as ambassador, what were your impressions about the Philippines? Is it your first time in our country? What would you like to achieve during your tour-of-duty here?
I gained my very first impressions of the Philippines when I arrived here in August last year. However, after having been posted in India previously, I’ve always wanted to return to Asia.
I have experienced a warmhearted, embracing welcome in this wonderful country. I enjoy the smiles on every face every day, and have felt at-home here from the very first moment.
I regard it a pity that only little is generally known about the Philippines in Germany, and vice versa. At the same time, this situation provides the opportunity to fill this gap with new initiatives and projects, to learn from each other and to better understand each other’s culture and country and differences.
What are you currently enjoying in your work as an envoy?
It would have to be meeting and talking to Filipinos throughout the country, as I have only just begun to travel out of Metro Manila to other provinces, learning to better understand this wonderful country step by step.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano