Phl construction group visits Cambodia, Myanmar

MANILA, Philippines - A delegation of Philippine construction industry players are on a five-day business mission in Cambodia and Myanmar to explore opportunities in these potential growth areas.

The Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP)—an attached agency of the Trade department— has partnered with the private sector-led Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) for the conduct of the business mission until Oct. 25.

POCB chairman Isidro A. Consunji, who is also the president and CEO of DMCI Holdings, heads the delegation composed of 25 large firms engaged in construction, engineering, and design.

The CIAP is an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that regulates the construction industry.

It has four (4) implementing arms: the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), the Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB), the Philippine Domestic Construction Board (PDCB) and the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC).

Trade supervising undersecretary for CIAP Prudencio Reyes Jr. said this is the second construction mission by the POCB conducted this year.

He said the mission is meant to strengthen the market presence of Philippine construction industry players in Cambodia and Myanmar which are potential growth areas in the ASEAN.

“This is an opportune time for Philippine companies to explore business and investment potentials of these countries,” said Reyes.

The business mission, he said, is funded by the private sector participants. DMCI  also lent a private plane for transportation. 

In February, POCB held a three-day business mission in Timor Leste during which a member contractor obtained a $30 million road project contract.

The property and constriction industry is one of the fast-growing industries in the country due to strong consumption of commercial and residential spaces as well as increased spending by the government spending for public works.