On Monday 11 November, the government of the Philippines and the European Union launched a technical assistance project aimed at improving the training, education and working conditions of seafarers in the Philippines.
This project, which is part of the SCOPE EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package, is being funded by the European Commission to the tune of €4 million (see EUROPE 13408/9). “The project will not only bring mutual benefits to both the Philippines and the EU but also contribute positively to the global shipping industry, recognising Filipino seafarers as a cornerstone of the maritime workforce worldwide” said Fotini Ioannidou, Director for Waterborne Transport at the European Commission, in a statement.
The maritime transport sector is a key pillar of the Philippine economy, making a substantial contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). In 2022, the industry directly accounted for 4% of the Philippines’ GDP. With around 1.15 million seafarers, the Philippines is one of the world’s leading suppliers of maritime talent, accounting for around 25% of the global maritime workforce. (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)