President Benigno S. Aquino III has encouraged Canadian companies to invest in the country’s public-private partnership (PPP) projects during his three-day state visit in Canada last May 7-9.
During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Stephen Harper at Ottawa, Canada, on May 8, Aquino shared that one of the agenda of his visit is to highlight the Philippines’ PPP projects to attract more Canadian investors.
“I also look forward to sharing with the Prime Minister the prospects for growth in the Philippines, particularly in our PPP infrastructure sector, where Canadian investors may wish to capitalize on”, he said.
“I believe our friends in the Canadian business community will find delight in knowing that Canada has designated the Philippines as a priority emerging market”, he added.
The President also assured the Prime Minister that the Philippines will work closely with their country to further strengthen trade and investment.
“We are extremely eager to work with you in making trade and investment activity between our nations more fun, more inclusive, and ultimately, more beneficial for all parties”, he said.
Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement that Governor General of Canada, His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston, expressed interest in the possible participation of Canadian companies in the government’s public-private partnership program at the meeting in Rideau Hall last May 7.
The Aquino administration has already awarded nine PPP projects since 2010 with a total cost of USD 3 billion. Fourteen PPP projects are currently undergoing procurement with an indicative total cost of USD 9.08 billion which include the Regional Prison Facilities through PPP Project, Davao Sasa Port Modernization Project, Cavite-Laguna Expressway Project and the Development,Operations, and Maintenance of five Regional Airports.
