The French Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Marie Fontanel references the opening date of the Paris Olympics 2024, “I will always remember that what I was doing on July 26, 2024 is visiting EssilorLuxottica, and with that I thank you so much”.
On July 26, EssilorLuxottica—a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames and sunglasses—welcomed the French Embassy in Manila and CCI France-Philippines to their Optodev and Transitions site in the Laguna International Industrial Park (LIIP) at Binan, Laguna. The visit was facilitated by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines.
The delegatation of the French Embassy is headed by the French Ambassador to the Philippines and Micronesia, Her Excellency Marie Fontanel; and is joined by the Embassy’s Deputy Head of the Economic Department, Mr. Matisse Gauthier, and Research Officer, Mr. Roland Capobianco.
The Philippines Operations Director of EssilorLuxottica, Mr. Pascal Pechaur and the heads of the departments from its three sites (Essilor in Bataan, Optodev and Transitions in Laguna) commenced the visit with an overview of the Company overview. The presentation underscores the growing brand portfolio, expanding areas of innovation, and revenue, a highlight of which is EssilorLuxottica’s record profit of €25.4bn in 2023—a 7.1% increase from the company’s 2022 profit.
Among its laudable report, The EssilorLuxottica team highlighted their commitment to combating climate change, including their SBTi commitment, 63% valorized waste in 2023, circular services, and in-store sustainability. They also presented their societal contribution by providing accessible and accurate eyewear for everybody and making art accessible to everyone with the use of eyes.
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority joins the visit, with Deputy Director General of Operations Vivian S. Santos presenting the current initiatives of the DTI-attached Agency in promoting investments, extending assistance, and facilitating the business operations of investors in export-oriented manufacturing. On behalf of PEZA, Vivian expressed its commendation, specifically in the mentioned business development direction of EssilorLuxottica to expand the business line.
Prior to the plant tour, Her Excellency Marie Fontanel acclaims the Company’s impressive presentation and affirms the role of business like EssilorLuxottica in promoting French commerce and excellency in the Philippines. Her Excellency also took the opportunity during the Q&A segment to ask about the interesting population of the EssilorLuxottica’s manpower. With women being more than half of the manpower—an figure that affirms France’s Feminist Foreign Policy.
EssilorLuxottica is an Italian-French multinational corporation that is widely recognized for their vision care and eyewear brands such as Oakley and Ray-Ban. To learn more about the company and their brands, you can visit their website here.