PHL, Germany sign pact on maritime transport cooperation

The Philippines and Germany on Tuesday signed a pact to strengthen existing ties in maritime transport between the two countries.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and German Federal Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure State Secretary Michael Odenwald signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for maritime transport cooperation, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said in a statement.

“This Letter of Intent will firm the maritime relationship between the Republic of Germany and the Philippines. This document has been pending for a number of years and after that, lo and behold after barely three months we will sign the letter of intent,” Tugade said.

The LOI aims to expand:

• the conduct of regular talks to discuss proposals;
• the development and implementation of certain projects of mutual interest;
• the organization of training courses in the field of business and maritime transport;
• the exchange of information concerning the investigation of marine accidents;
• cooperation in marine pollution prevention; and
• cooperation in the field of ports and maritime equipment, research, training, and staff development in the field of maritime transport.

The DOTr noted that earlier this year, Tugade and Odenwald had initial discussions in Germany on prospects and possibilities “to develop and implement projects of mutual interests, specifically in the fields of maritime, aviation, road transport, among others."

“Mr. Minister, the Republic of the Philippines is opening its doors for business. If there is one thing that I can assure you in opening its doors for business is that there shall be no corruption. Corruption will be an intolerable, unforgivable issue when it comes to business relationships between our country and overseas,” Tugade said.

Odenwald said that Germany is serious in bolstering the economic relationship between the two countries.

“I am convinced that we can now have a new start. That we can build on a very solid and good foundation. And you can see by the size of the delegation that I have brought with me that we are very willing to promote economic ties with the Philippines,” he said.

Odenwald also expressed interest in helping the Philippines develop its railway sectors.

“We are more than willing to share our knowledge and expertise in the field of railway sector. And I think that we should also continue this cooperation. In my delegation, we also have representatives that have a lot of expertise in the field of railway construction," Odenwald said. — John Ted Cordero/BM, GMA News