MAKATI — The first German-Philippine Conference on Food and Packaging Machinery opened Monday at Makati Diamond Residences, spotlighting opportunities for collaboration between German technology providers and Philippine companies in the fast-growing food and packaging sectors.

German Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Director Christopher Zimmer said the conference aimed to showcase more than equipment, stressing the broader potential of technology partnerships.

“They are not presenting machines, they are presenting possibilities,” Zimmer said, adding that the event seeks “to build meaningful bridges that unite German innovation and Filipino ambition.”

German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke underscored the strong trade ties between the two countries, noting that Germany remains the Philippines’ largest European trading partner. He said ongoing free trade agreement negotiations could further expand cooperation.

“Sustainable solutions, especially in food systems, work best when they are locally adapted and developed together with the customers,” Pfaffernoschke said.

The conference featured presentations from German firms specializing in food processing and packaging machinery. Langguth GmbH showcased high-precision labeling systems, while Lißner Engineering + Architects presented integrated facility planning solutions focused on efficiency and sustainability.

MLT – Micro Laser Technology GmbH demonstrated laser-based material processing, and MULTIVAC highlighted end-to-end packaging solutions across food, consumer, and pharmaceutical sectors. Other participants included SOMIC Verpackungsmaschinen and Tholander Environmental Engineering.

Keynote speaker Stefano Paolo Buñag, former president of the Packaging Institute of the Philippines, cited the global packaging market’s $1.4 trillion value and highlighted the country’s long-standing focus on packaging development.

Closing the event, GPCCI President Maria Antoniette Mariano emphasized the value of long-term partnerships and knowledge exchange.

“German technologies are not the cheapest, I totally agree, but it comes premium. It represents engineered excellence, innovation, and global standards. This means it’s not just better machines, it’s a stronger industry, which the Philippines needs,” Mariano said.

The conference highlighted the potential for technology transfer, investment, and sustainable growth in the country’s food and packaging industries through international cooperation.