Phl gets 'positive response' from China on PPP program

Manila, Philippines - The Philippines has received a “positive response” and “strong interest” from the Chinese government and business leaders for the Aquino administration’s public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

The Philippine Embassy in Beijing reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan stated during his meeting Tuesday afternoon with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and fellow economic managers that “China is open” to the PPP concept while business leaders expressed confidence in Chinese firms’ capabilities to participate successfully in PPP projects.

The PPP team also met with Chinese Finance Minister Xie Xuren, Transport Minister Li Shenglin, Commerce Minister Chen Deming and People’s Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan in Beijing before proceeding to Shanghai on Wednesday.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson disclosed at a press conference that among the PPP projects to be rolled out are 25 public works projects, including roads, urban rail, sea ports and airports, worth at least $12 billion.

Purisima told Vice Premier Wang that the Philippines attaches importance to its economic relations with China. This is indicated by the fact that “China is the first stop” of the economic managers’  program to invite international participants to the competitive public bidding for PPP projects to boost the state of infrastructure across the country.

“A key agenda of the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III is to increase economic growth and reduce poverty,” Purisima told Wang.

He emphasized that to achieve this goal, it is very important to develop the overall infrastructure in the Philippines.

“We invite state-owned enterprises and the private sector and seek the support of the Chinese government in this program to improve the overall infrastructure in the Philippines,” Purisima added.