EU dangles euro bonds to diversify Phl portfolio

The European Union is encouraging the Philippine government to consider investing in EU bonds to diversify the country's portfolio and to further strengthen ties with the bloc.

- LOUELLA DESIDERIO

"We are regularly reaching out, in particular to the Asian region, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, and now for the first time to the Philippines because we believe for the Philippines, it might be interesting and attractive to invest in euro-denominated bonds to diversify also their portfolio," European Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn told reporters.

Hahn was in the country from Sept.12 to 13 to promote investments in EU bonds as a safe asset, marking the first time that a European Commissioner for Budget and Administration visited the Philippines.

During his visit, Hahn met with Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier.