MANILA, Philippines — France’s newly appointed envoy to the Philippines, Donatienne Hissard, expressed her nation’s commitment to supporting the Philippine government’s efforts to expand its economy, advance local industries, and create jobs.
Hissard affirmed the commitment during the presentation of her credentials to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang on Thursday, October 1.
“France stands ready to support your government’s efforts to strengthen economic growth, build up the industrial base and local employment,” the new French ambassador said.
The envoy noted that France aims to participate in major national initiatives, such as the Luzon Economic Corridor, by leveraging public development assistance and private sector capability.
“Through the Luzon Economic Corridor and other strategic projects, we hope to contribute as a development partner or through the expertise of our private sector to many other critical investments in transportation, infrastructure, connectivity, disaster prevention and management,” she said.
Hissard also emphasized France’s goal to further strengthen academic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
In response, President Marcos acknowledged the evolving partnership between Manila and Paris, emphasizing that bilateral engagement has broadened into non-traditional sectors.
“The relationship between our two countries has grown stronger, but we have explored areas that were considered not traditional,” Marcos said.
“And these are things that we hope to continue to promote in our current… two countries for the benefit of France and for the Philippines,” the President added.
Before her appointment to Manila, Hissard served as Chief Executive Officer of Campus France beginning in April 2022 and held various positions within the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. She previously served as Second Counselor and Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome from 2012 to 2016.
Formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and France span 79 years, established in 1947. France stood as the Philippines’ 20th largest trading partner in 2025, with total trade reaching $1.873 billion.
The two countries maintain active bilateral agreements across defense, aviation, development cooperation, film, and culture.