Luxembourg asked to recognize Pinoy accountants

LUXEMBOURG – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has asked Luxembourg to recognize Filipino accountants working here as equivalency in recognition and standards affect their chances of being promoted.

Del Rosario met with Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Jean Asselborn during his recent visit here to renew bilateral ties as well as promote trade and investments between the two countries.

Del Rosario noted that Filipino accountants are in demand in many countries such as US, the United Kingdom and Australia. 

There are about 30 Filipino accountants in Luxembourg, one of Europe’s major financial centers.

Del Rosario is the first foreign affairs secretary to visit Luxembourg, reciprocating Asselborn’s visit to Manila in 2008.

Noting the favorable performance of the Philippine economy and the continuing relative strength of Luxembourg, both officials agreed to invigorate economic and business cooperation in the fields of trade, investment and tourism.

Del Rosario conveyed the Philippines’ readiness to have negotiations on tax information exchange agreement with Luxembourg, while also recognizing that an agreement on avoidance of double taxation is mutually beneficial and investor-friendly.

He also apprised Asselborn on the developments in Mindanao, particularly the signing of the Bangsamoro framework agreement.

Asselborn expressed his appreciation for Del Rosario’s visit.

The minister hosted lunch for Del Rosario, which was attended by key officials of the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy and External Trade, and Chamber of Commerce. 

Del Rosario was accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to Belgium and head of the Philippine Mission to the European Union Victoria Bataclan, DFA Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson, DFA Office of European Affairs executive director Marichu Mauro as well as officials from the Philippine embassy in Belgium.

Earlier, Luxembourg joined the United Nations and the US in their appeal to the Philippines not to withdraw its 340-member contingent to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights.

The Philippines’ diplomatic relations with Luxembourg were established on Aug. 26, 1946.