Indian firm eyes investing in PH airports, energy projects

An Indian firm expressed interest in providing a long-term solution to Philippine infrastructure and energy woes, the Presidential Communications Office said on Friday.

The GMR Group is looking to invest in the Philippines, particularly in airports, roads, and energy projects, in line with the Marcos administration's “Build Better More” program.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. met with the officials of the GMR Group at the Marriott Hotel in Singapore on the sidelines of the 10th Asian Conference.

Marcos said he was impressed with GMR’s achievements as he expressed hope that the Indian firm could participate in the country’s efforts to develop its airports, roads, and energy infrastructure.

“We need to improve the capacity that serves Manila. Sangley, the one of Ramon Ang. Anything you build, it will get full. All my experience in major infrastructure, you think it's overcapacity, three years later you’ll building some more,” Marcos said.

“And we want that, especially when it comes to travel, tourism, business travel, etc. We want it to increase as much as possible. I’m glad that you are looking at the Philippines."

Marcos also mentioned his administration’s thrust toward building major infrastructures as part of the economic agenda to advance development.

Marcos expressed hope that GMR could apply all its experiences and expertise to the Philippines on various projects.

“We’ve been trying. The reason, we go to this process is that it is a major part of our economic program. Well of course, Manila is the gateway, even regional airports we are starting to develop so that not everyone has to get to Sangley or Bulacan,” Marcos said.

“Improve those airports, improve those facilities, roads, communication. Then they can go directly there," he added.

Meanwhile, Cavitex Holdings' Chief Executive Officer Leonides Virata said GMR sees Sangley’s potential in resolving airport congestion issues in the Philippines.

Cavitex Holdings is GMR’s local partner.

According to Virata, the plan is to start Sangley construction next year, adding that the consortium is just awaiting government clearances before commencing groundwork.

Virata said the consortium would start construction next year and would try to finish the runway in the next five years.

Aside from its interest in the Sangley airport project, GMR is one of the five potential bidders who bought bid documents as of September 13 for the P170.6-billion NAIA Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project.

The Indian firm operated the Mactan and Clark Airports for 11 years. — DVM, GMA Integrated News