PH, China continue discussion on transport projects

MANILA: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Sunday that the Philippines has picked up on negotiations with China to discuss the terms of Chinese-funded transportation projects in the nation, as per a report of the Philippines News Agency (PNA).

According to a news release from the DOTr, on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista held a formal meeting at the Chinese Embassy in Makati City to "restart negotiations for significant transport projects."

“The two officials discussed the 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),” PNA said, quoting a DOTr release.

To recall, these transport projects were earlier deemed “withdrawn” due to China’s inaction on funding requests by the previous administration, the report said.

The DOTr claimed that by supporting these projects financially, the Chinese government will "improve bilateral ties and strengthen the collaboration between the Philippines and China."

Xilian characterized his discussion with Bautista as "productive" in a separate statement, Huang expressed optimism that the two nations would complete more infrastructure projects in the railway industry.

“(I) hope that China-Philippines cooperation in infrastructure and railway would achieve more tangible fruits and bring about more benefits to the Filipino at an early date,” Xilian said.

The Chinese ambassador added that China is dedicated to assisting Southeast Asian nations in developing their railway systems.

“China is also devoted to promoting the connectivity of the Southeast Asian countries by sharing its experience and introducing the cut-edging technology of railway construction and rolling stock manufacturing,” he added.

While more than 20 projects are being implemented or are already underway, China previously claimed that it has assisted the Philippines in completing 17 projects.

In the meantime, Bautista and Xilian talked about a number of maritime cooperation projects between China and the Philippines, including the hotline communication and legal affairs agreements between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the China Coast Guard.

A potential partnership on maritime traffic safety, ferry safety, a memorandum of understanding on maritime search and rescue, and the development of maritime governance, safety supervision, and vessel safety inspection capacities were also explored by the two officials.

Photo from Kap Maceda Aguila 

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