PNoy to lead infra investment roadshows in EU, US

President Aquino will embark next week on a five-country visit (Spain, Brussels, France, Germany and the US) tagging along with him a top-level business delegation to promote investments especially for the government’s pipeline infrastructure projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) program.

Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo told reporters at the launch of the “Philippine Bamboo Showcase” at the Design Center Philippines that an “Infrastructure Forum” will be among the highlights of the President trip to Europe.

The trip, which is a combination of state and working visits, will start on Sept. 13. Domingo, however, said it was not clear if the President will be present in the entire investment campaign which could run for a total of 12 days.

Domingo said that infrastructure has always been a part in all of the government’s investment roadshows overseas but stressed that this is the first time for the Philippines to hold an infrastructure forum in Europe. Domingo said the forum is being organized by the PPP Center. It is not yet clear as to where exactly the forum will be held, but said mostly probably it will be in Paris.

“We are targeting big funds and big project proponents,” Domingo said noting there are over 30 PPP pipeline projects that are in need of investors, funders and contractors.

“These are basically tollways, rail lines, seaports and airports,” he said.

The emphasis on infrastructure investments has been timely given foreign investors and analysts concern on the slow infrastructure investments happening in the country.

Domingo also said that while PPP projects started slow, he promised for a “fast finish.”

DTI Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo Jr. also told reporters that after Europe, the team will proceed to New York and San Francisco cities in the US.

Aside from infrastructure, Manalo said the Philippine team will also promote investments in aerospace, IT-BPM and manufacturing. From Europe, the team will proceed to New York and San Francisco cities in the US.

“It will be a 12-day investment roadshow starting on the 13th this month,” Manalo said.

 source:  Manila Bulletin