Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual has identified infrastructure connectivity and transport logistics as some of the potential areas of collaboration between German businesses and the Philippines.
During the 17th Asia Pacific Conference of German Businesses (APK) held in Singapore on Monday, November 14, the Trade chief cited transport logistics, renewable energy, and sustainable development as part of the Philippines’s development interests.
Further, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a news statement issued on Tuesday that Pascual shared that the Philippines aims to facilitate greater private sector engagement and involvement.
“With the new administration’s program—Build, Better, More, the government will be inviting the private sector, local and foreign, to participate in infrastructure development in the Philippines. We recognize the key role played by the private sector in enhancing government initiatives for infrastructure advancement through public-private partnerships [PPP],” Pascual said.
In line with the Philippines’ development goals, Pascual noted that the Philippine transport and mobility sector remains a key focus in the country’s infrastructure investments, with particular interest on rail systems and expansion and improvement of ports and airport development and operations.
Apart from physical infrastructure projects, DTI said the Trade chief shared that one of the immediate priorities of the Philippine government is to improve the country’s digital connectivity.
“The Philippines is looking to expand its digital reach, especially in many isolated areas, providing everybody an equal opportunity to participate in the national economy as well as the regional. Further, the government is in pursuit of an e-government, with the intention of making government services efficient and easily accessible to citizens, investors, and businesses that would like to participate in the growth that we are expecting in the Philippine economy,” Pascual said.
As for funding, the DTI also noted that the participation and “attractive” financing offered by the European Union (EU) Global Gateway initiative and German and European companies may assist in accelerating the resolution of infrastructure gaps in the Philippines and other Asean nations, especially in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable mining, E-mobility, water and waste management, transport, and health care.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement issued by German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) on Tuesday, GPCCI Executive Director Christopher Zimmer said, “We are glad to be at the forefront of our economic relations and trade; and to bring the German-Philippine business community’s interest forward during such a high-profile event in order to foster our business partnerships.”
GPCCI said that Pascual had the opportunity to meet with German Economic Minister Robert Habeck to promote and discuss economic collaborations between the Philippines and Germany.
“Secretary Pascual spoke about advocating German investments in the Philippines and explained political and economic frameworks for investors. Meanwhile, Minister Habeck expounded on Germany’s policy on diversification. Habeck also mentioned Germany’s expertise in renewable energy,” GPCCI said in its statement.
According to GPCCI, Habeck and Pascual were accompanied by leaders from various German firms including Siemens CEO Roland Busch; Continental Phils. President Peter Rankl; TUV-Sud Board Chairman Axel Stepken; Thysssenkrupp AG regional representative Asia-Pacific Silke Klausen; German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Director Christopher Zimmer; and Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Berlin Commercial Counsellor Nicanor Bautista and the German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel.