NEDA Promotes Investment Opportunities in Philippine Infrastructure and Energy Sectors to Investors in Doha and Dubai

In a bid to attract potential investors, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) encourages investors in Doha, Qatar, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) to explore investment opportunities in key focus areas of infrastructure development, particularly in Mindanao, and the energy sector in the Philippines.

During the Philippine dialogue with investors in Doha and the Philippine Economic Briefing in Dubai, NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan outlined the commitment of the Marcos Administration to prioritize infrastructure development in Mindanao, a region recognized for its untapped potential in agriculture and agro-processing.

Secretary Balisacan stated, “The Marcos Administration is committed to prioritizing infrastructure development in the Mindanao region – one of the country’s most promising regions because of its significantly untapped potential for various growth drivers, particularly in agriculture and agro-processing.”

He emphasized the government’s focus on projects that will reduce the cost of connectivity and power in Mindanao, enhance the region’s resilience to climate change, and elevate Mindanao’s productivity as an emerging agricultural and industrial hub. Currently, there are 79 Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) valued at USD 45.9 billion in Mindanao, with 9 projects being implemented through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Secretary Balisacan highlighted the integral role of investors in realizing the region’s potential and supporting the implementation of IFPs through PPPs. He stated, “We will harness PPPs to finance these IFPs and other high-impact projects and leverage on the private sector’s ability to use innovative processes, efficiently mobilize its resources, and deliver high-quality services.”

Energy sector investment was also underscored by Secretary Balisacan, who noted that the Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040 outlines the role of a sustainable and resilient energy system in driving the socioeconomic transformation of the Philippines. He urged foreign direct investments in renewable energy, estimating a total investment of approximately USD 104 billion by 2040 to achieve the renewable energy target mix.

“The country will need foreign direct investments in renewable energy. To achieve our target mix for renewable energy, we will require a total investment of about 104 billion US dollars by 2040,” he said.

Highlighting various growth sectors, Secretary Balisacan expressed that opportunities abound not only in infrastructure but also in agribusiness, mining, tourism, manufacturing, education, creative industries, healthcare, and information technology and business process management sectors.

The Philippine dialogue in Doha, Qatar, held on September 10, 2023, and the Philippine Economic Briefing on September 12, 2023, in Dubai, U.A.E., marked the Economic Team’s first non-deal roadshow and briefings in the Middle East.

In Doha, 51 guests attended, including officials of the Qatar government, senior executives of Qatar-based funds and corporates, and representatives of business groups, industry associations, financial community, and the media. In Dubai, the Economic Team met with various entities, including the CEO of Nasdaq Dubai, Minister of State H.E. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi of the Ministry of Economy, Arqaam Capital, Maybank Islamic Berhad Dubai, Investment Corporation of Dubai, among others.

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