France seeks closer cooperation with the Philippines on technology and innovation

(Photo courtesy of French Embassy in Manila)

MANILA – The French government is looking forward to closer cooperation with the Philippines on technology and innovation.

As France and the Philippines celebrate 75 years of relations this year, French Ambassador to the Philippines Michèle Boccoz said "now is the time to embrace" new opportunities to increase the two nations' exchanges.

"As home of French-Tech and a highly innovative R&D (research and development) nation, we encourage dynamic projects in the field of technology and innovation, both in academe and in business development," Boccoz said in her Bastille Day speech at her residence in Makati City on Thursday.

The envoy said the two nations have been collaborating on the design of electronic circuits, which in itself contributes to the strengthening of local capacities.

"These efforts are supported by the French Tech network in 13 capital cities, including Manila, thus fostering interactions between entrepreneurs, investors, engineers, and contributing to the empowerment of the Tech movement in the Philippines," she said.

In the same speech, Boccoz also highlighted the two nations' growing engagements in the areas of defense, security, agriculture, and disaster risk reduction.

She said cooperation has "steadily deepened" in defense and security through the increase in the frequency of Philippine-France military deployments, joint drills, port calls, and the modernization of maritime capabilities.

"Our relation with the Philippines is at the heart of our Indo-Pacific strategy. Our two countries, both nations of the Indo-Pacific, share a strong will to maintain the prevalence of the rule of law, and the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) in particular," she said.

"Protecting our sovereignty, safeguarding natural resources, including fishing resources, or dealing with natural disasters are common concerns for our two countries in the region."

Boccoz said the emergence of non-traditional threats such as climate change, the pandemic, and food insecurity likewise require the two countries "to work even more closely together." (PNA)

Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php