German firms want truck ban lifted

MANILA, Philippines - German companies operating in the country are calling for the lifting of the truck ban being implemented in the city of Manila.

In a statement, German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry general manager Nadine Fund said they wrote to Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and urged him to lift the truck ban, citing the impact on their businesses.

“Traffic in Manila will most likely provide relief to motorists, commuters and residents of Manila but will impact negatively on business operations due to regulated movement of goods and services,” she said.

Fund said German businessmen are increasing their investments in the Philippines.

Germany is a key partner of the Philippines with bilateral trade volume reaching €3.81 billion in 2012.

German investments in the country are in trading, air and sea freight, cargo forwarding, pharmaceuticals, automotive, engineering and manufacturing equipment as well as textiles and clothing.