The Philippines is stepping up efforts to establish itself as a ‘vital investment hub’ for big ticket transportation projects, with a Cabinet official courting European investors to help bankroll the country’s infrastructure drive.
Speaking before members of the European Union-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (EU-Asean) Business Council, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is expediting the rollout of major infrastructure projects.
‘We are filled with optimism that the EU-Asean Business Council sees the boundless opportunities in the Philippines that will drive our economic growth and address the social needs of our people,’ he said.
Lopez said the government is committed to partnering with foreign investors across all transport sectors-aviation, railways, maritime, and road.
During the meeting, Lopez outlined several areas where the Philippines hopes to collaborate with European investors, including coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on railway infrastructure projects, stricter implementation of air, seaport, and road transport regulations, and the Public Transport Modernization Program.
The government is also promoting Public-Private Partnership schemes for transport projects and advancing road safety measures as part of its comprehensive strategy to address the social and economic needs of commuters.
‘From across our transportation sectors-aviation, railways, maritime and road-the DOTr is a committed partner of the EU-Asean Business Council to help us achieve President Marcos’ goal of improving the lives of commuters,’ Lopez said.