Golden era of Korea-Philippines infrastructure cooperation

IT has been a little more than a month since I arrived in Manila as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines. The warm welcome and fruitful exchanges I have experienced so far gave me a glimpse of the deep friendship between our two countries. Our ever since the Philippines sent - racy and peace in Korea during the Korean War. During Korea’s assisted in the country’s rehabilitation as a member of the UN Com Rehabilitation of Korea. Ambassador HAN Dong-man I regard the Filipinos’ valuable contribution to the reconstruction of Korea’s public structures as the beginning of Korea-Philippine infrastructure

dome-style indoor stadium, with the help of Filipino engineers. Jangchung Arena has hosted major sporting events up to this day.

The rapid industrialization in Korea in the 1970s then ushered the fast development of its construction industry. Korea’s own engineers and builders have participated in constructing facilities such as railroads and dams in the Middle East and Asia. Hanjin Heavy Industries, one of near General Santos City in 1973. I heard road is still in good condition.

Hanjin also invested $1.7 billion to build the largest shipyard in the Philippines, creating - ment in Subic, Zambales made the Philippines world. Another infrastructure investment is the Angat Dam Project by K-Water and San Miguel consortium, which provides more than 80 percent of Metro Manila’s water supply.

Infrastructure cooperation between our two countries has remained steadfast up to this day. Thanks to the Korean Government’s soft loan program (EDCF) and the effort of a Airport Development project was successfully completed last year. The Panguil Bay Bridge Project ($100 million) and the Jalaur River Multi-purpose Project ($208 million) are expected to start construction this year through the support of EDCF. The Korean government also pledged a $180 million soft loan for the Cebu International Container Port and is considering an upgrade to the Laguindingan Airport. In terms of energy infrastructure, Korean companies have built coal power plants in the country such as in Masinloc, Zambales, and there are plans to construct more power plants such as in Sual, Pangasinan.

I am optimistic that the momentum of our infrastructure cooperation will be further boosted as the Philippines enters its Golden Age of Infrastructure. Under the ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program, the Philippines will invest $180 billion in infrastructure development. I have expressed my support to this goal when I presented my letter of credence to President Duterte. I encourage more Korean companies to “Invest, Invest, Invest” in the infrastructure sector of the Philippines. Many Korean companies already have keen interest in participating in future infrastructure projects.

I can already see opportunities for further cooperation during my recent visit to Cebu, Davao, Clark and Subic. For example, Korea’s advanced technology in the development of its green and smart cities can support the smart city in the Philippines. This project is also aligned with the Duterte administration’s focus on regional development.

There is much potential for stronger cooperation as the Philippine government pushes its infrastructure agenda. I believe that taking advantage of these opportunities can lead to the golden era of KoreaPhilippine infrastructure cooperation.