Talks about transport projects with Ch will restart – DOTr
By Nidz Godino
“The two officials discussed resumption of talks for the major China-funded railway projects such as the PNR South Long Haul Project ,North-South Commuter Railway, Subic-Clark Railway and Mindanao Railway ,Tagum-Davao-Digos,” the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has agreed with Chinese Embassy in Manila to restart negotiations for major transportation projects in the country.
Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista and Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian had their first meeting on Thursday, August 11, the DOTr said.
Earlier, Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez said Chinese government did not act on Duterte administration’s request for loan financing for three major railway projects, therefore these were considered withdrawn and have to be renegotiated by the present government.
Chavez said Duterte administration’s National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved three railway projects to be funded by official development assistance (ODA) loans from China.
Negotiations that began in 2018 failed to prosper because China did not act on Philippine government’s requests for funding.
Also, Chavez said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered them to renegotiate loan agreements for three railway projects, noting that as matter of policy, government should encourage more investments in railways.
The Chinese Embassy earlier has been negotiating infrastructure project “technical issues” with Philippines, stressing it has made “positive progress to move projects forward.”
DOTr and the Embassy also tackled China-Philippines Maritime Cooperation Projects during the meeting.
Among these projects are hotline communication and legal affairs cooperation arrangements between Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and China Coast Guard; possible collaboration on Maritime Traffic Safety, Ferry Safety; a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Maritime Search and Rescue; and capacity building for maritime governance, safety supervision, and vessels safety inspection.
“The Chinese government’s funding support for these projects will serve to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance partnership between Philippines and China,” the department concluded.
ISKUP! 