Phl woos China investments in $12-B transport deals

Manila, Philippines - The Philippines has presented to Chinese and international contractors a $12.1-billion transport sector infrastructure development project under the administration’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program.

The Philippine embassy in Beijing reported that Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson had told a gathering of Chinese and international contractors in Beijing of major opportunities in Philippine transport infrastructure development, particularly for toll roads, airports, seaports and urban rail mass transit system.

“We invite you to consider these opportunities and other investment opportunities in the Philippines,” Singson told delegates to the 2nd International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) in Beijing on Thursday. The China International Contractors Association (CHINCA) organized the forum.

He stressed that the administration has set in place reforms aimed at enhancing business procedures and improving the investment climate.

Singson said the country’s immediate major transport infrastructure development would cover 13 toll roads worth $6 billion, seven urban rail mass transit projects amounting to $5.8 billion, three seaports costing $130 million and three airport projects, $150 million.

He said the massive development program - spread over a five-year period until 2016 - would cover the country’s entire 31,000 kilometers of national roads and bridges.

“Bottom line, the Philippines offers good opportunities for infrastructure investments. Under our PPP program, we are open to various modes of implementation,” he said.

The secretary was also in Beijing in April when the PPP roadshow delegation to China led by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima received “positive response” and “strong interest” from Chinese government and business leaders.

Singson and members of the Philippine Constructors Association, led by its president Levy Espiritu, met with CHINCA members led by chairman Diao Chunhe on Wednesday to discuss more opportunities for cooperation.