In a significant development for bilateral relations, the Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Emmanuel Fernandez, has reaffirmed the strong and continuing cooperation between the two nations across economic, educational, and cultural spheres. He made these remarks during a key session held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Thursday.
Decades of Diplomacy and Economic Synergy
The ambassador highlighted that the diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and the Philippines spans over seven decades, noting that the Philippines was among the very first countries to extend recognition to Pakistan after it gained independence. This long-standing friendship now serves as a robust foundation for enhanced collaboration.
On the economic front, Dr. Fernandez pointed out that the current trade balance favours Pakistan. He identified substantial opportunities for Pakistan to increase its exports to the Philippines, with potential items including rice and surgical instruments. Conversely, he suggested that Pakistan could benefit from importing electrical appliances and vehicle parts from the Philippines, creating a complementary trade relationship.
Educational Diplomacy: A Pathway to Mutual Progress
The session placed a major emphasis on the power of educational diplomacy as a catalyst for future growth. LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol stressed that nations which prioritize education, research, and human resource development are the ones that achieve true progress in the modern world.
Ambassador Fernandez elaborated on the Philippine education system, which follows an American model and offers globally recognized education in English at a relatively low cost. He passionately argued that by focusing jointly on education, Pakistan and the Philippines can unlock numerous new paths for development, concluding his address with a powerful quote from Nelson Mandela: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Building Bridges Between Universities
LCCI President Saigol reciprocated by highlighting the strengths of Pakistan's own education system, which provides high-quality education in fields like medicine, engineering, IT, and social sciences. He proposed concrete methods for collaboration, including joint degree programs, student and faculty exchange programs, collaborative research projects, and short-term courses.
He noted the Philippines' strong global standing in sectors such as nursing, maritime studies, hospitality, and information technology. By combining the educational strengths of both countries, Saigol expressed hope that this meeting would lay a strong foundation for practical cooperation and joint ventures that would benefit students, teachers, and industries alike.
The event saw high-level participation, including LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, and the Special Representative of the Prime Minister, Rizwan Ahmed. Philippine Honorary Consul Generals Fahad Sheikh (Lahore) and Imran Yousaf (Karachi) were also present, alongside vice-chancellors, principals, and deans from numerous prestigious universities and colleges across Lahore.
