PHL economic team, Chinese execs to discuss infra 'issues, challenges'

Philippine officials are set to meet with Chinese representatives in Beijing this week to discuss "issues and challenges" regarding local infrastructure projects to be funded by China.

In an statement emailed to media on Sunday, the Department of Finance (DOF) said members of the economic team will meet with Chinese officials from August 22 to 24 to discuss several infrastructure projects.

Projects to be discussed include the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project, the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project, the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project, the Davao-Samal Bridge Construction Project, and the Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon bridge projects.

“The High-Level Meetings will focus on strengthening and enhancing our bilateral engagement and cooperation," said the DOF.

"We express the hope that a number of bilateral documents would be presented and signed during the meeting, among them the exchange of letters for the feasibility study of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Inter-Island Bridges Project," it added.

The Philippine delegation will be led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and will be joined by Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, and BCDO President and CEO Vivencio Dizon.

They are set to meet with China’s  State Councilor and Foreign Affairs  Minister Wang Yi and Commerce  Minister Zhong Shan, Director Wang Xiaotao of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Chairperson Hu Xiaolian of the Export-Import Bank of China (China EXIM), and Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/LBG, GMA News