French aerospace firms expanding here
Existing European aerospace investors in the country are expanding their operations in the country, according to French Ambassador to the Philippines Gilles Garachon.
Garachon told reporters after meeting with Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo that they agreed to hold permanent regular dialogue to discuss trade and investment issues after French President Francois Hollande visited the country in February this year.
According to Garachon, some aerospace companies are coming in and those with existing facilities are expanding, as well.
“Airbus is already here but two main aerospace firms are expanding operations here,” he said. He said that Thales, a German-Spain company is in the process of expanding and renewing after its successful operations in the country. Thales is a world-leading provider of onboard and ground systems for the civil aerospace market.
The joint venture between Sumitomo Corp. of Japan and Thales Group has committed to complete the Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ ATM) Systems Development Project Package–I by November 2015.
The CNS/ATM Systems Development Project was first conceptualized in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Air Navigation Plan, and would replace the aging vital communications, surveillance, and air traffic control equipment at selected airports nationwide.
Aside from aerospace, Garachon also said that some French firms are participating in the country’s PPP projects. For instance, French firm WIG is participating in the LRT1 extension program in partnership with a Filipino group.
“We also hope to have a chance with the airports,” he said.
While Philippine Airlines has asked to delay delivery of its ordered aircraft, Garachon said that “prospects have remain still very good.”
Garachon also said that more French business delegations are coming into the Philippines and French ministers visiting the country.
“I’m sure this will increase trade,” he added.