Department of Transportation (DOTr) acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Tuesday the Philippines is positioning itself as a vital investment hub by fast-tracking various big-ticket transportation projects across aviation, railways, maritime and road sectors.
Speaking during a meeting with the EU-ASEAN Business Council, Lopez said the DOTr is accelerating construction on major infrastructure to boost economic growth and ease commuter congestion, fulfilling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive.
“We are filled with optimism that EU-ASEAN Business Council sees the boundless opportunities in the Philippines that will drive our economic growth and address the social needs of our people,” Lopez said, adding that the meeting comes at an “opportune time as the Philippines continues to position itself as a dynamic investment hub and an emerging gateway country to Asia.”
Lopez sought the council’s assistance in improving the transport infrastructure to ensure commuter efficiency through a reliable public transportation system.
He cited the DOTr’s commitment to partnering with the council to help achieve President Marcos’ goal of improving the lives of commuters.
The acting transport chief discussed several initiatives where the Philippines and the council could support each other and expedite completion, including coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on railway infrastructure projects, strict implementation of air, seaport and road transport rules, the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme in transport projects and road safety.
The EU-ASEAN Business Council, the primary voice for European business within the ASEAN Region, brought leading European companies eager to invest and explore opportunities with the Philippine government, alongside the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).
