A significant milestone in the electric vehicle industry was reached with the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) and the Taiwan Smart Electric Bicycle Association (TSEBA). The agreement, signed on July 12, aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and mutual growth in the electric vehicle sectors of both countries.
The signing ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Jude Aguilar, Vice-Chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba, Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines. Their presence underscored the importance of this agreement and the strong support from both governments for the burgeoning electric vehicle industry.
The visit by TSEBA to the Philippines, organized by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office and the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research, took place from July 9 to July 12. This industry exchange was highly productive, featuring visits to the EVAP and several factories and corporate headquarters in the Philippines. The Manila Economic and Cultural Office played a pivotal role in facilitating these engagements, ensuring fruitful outcomes.
According to official statistics, the Philippines has close to ten million registered two-wheeled vehicles. Including unregistered units, this number surpasses twenty million. With the goal set by Philippine President Marcos to achieve 50% electrification of motor vehicles by 2040, various departments have introduced incentive subsidy policies to promote electric vehicles. These policies highlight the promising future growth of the two-wheeled electric vehicle market in the Philippines.
The MoU between EVAP and TSEBA includes several key areas of cooperation:
- Information Exchange: The agreement aims to enhance the exchange of information regarding industry developments, promote matchmaking between industries, and facilitate personnel training. Joint organization of related visits, matchmaking activities, and forums will further these goals.
- Trade and Investment Promotion: Cooperation will extend to trade and investment promotion, technology transfer, research and development, manufacturing, and marketing. This holistic approach aims to integrate the strengths of both nations’ industries.
- Policy Proposals: The parties will provide their respective public sectors with proposals to address issues related to industrial cooperation and market expansion, including suggestions for policy adjustments to further promote collaboration.
- Designated Focal Points: Standing focal points will be designated to ensure seamless communication and collaboration between the parties, ensuring the effective implementation of the agreement.
Su Yongxiang, Secretary-General of TSEBA, expressed optimism about the collaboration. In an interview, he stated that TSEBA will actively promote exchanges and cooperation between the industries of Taiwan and the Philippines. He emphasized the strategic benefits of this collaboration, noting that the recent U.S. policy granting zero tariffs on many industrial products manufactured in the Philippines, combined with the Philippines’ extension of zero tariff policies for importing electric vehicle components, creates a favorable environment for Taiwanese companies. These companies can benefit from local sales and export to the U.S. with zero tariffs, enhancing their competitive edge.
