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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Marcos admin taps European business for transport system overhaul

Marcos admin taps European business for transport system overhaul

Published Oct 14, 2025 05:16 pm
DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez (Dexter Barro II I MANILA BULLETIN)
DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez (Dexter Barro II I MANILA BULLETIN)
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is seeking assistance from the European business sector to expedite the completion of major transportation projects.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said he met with top officials of the European Union-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (EU-ASEAN) Business Council to discuss the state of the country’s public transportation system.
Lopez said the DOTr has been focusing on the construction of major transport projects to alleviate the daily commuting woes of the public.
He noted that President Marcos has directed the agency to improve the country’s transportation systems to provide relief for commuters.
Lopez said the EU-ASEAN Business Council could be an important force in helping the DOTr achieve its mandate.
The EU-ASEAN Business Council, the primary voice for European businesses within the region, could provide assistance across the sectors of aviation, railways, maritime, and road.
“The DOTr is a committed partner of the EU-ASEAN Business Council to help us achieve President Marcos’ goal of improving the lives of commuters,” Lopez said.
During the meeting, the official said the group “brought leading European companies eager to invest and explore opportunities with the Philippine government.”
As such, the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme in transport projects was discussed among several potential areas of cooperation.
While no other details were disclosed, the DOTr has been ramping up efforts to promote privatization of key projects in an effort to improve efficiency and ensure that these critical operations run smoothly.
Lopez said the EU-ASEAN Business Council could also help the DOTr expedite projects through initiatives such as coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on railway projects.
Cooperation could also be seen in the implementation of air, seaport, and road transport rules; Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), as well as road safety.
“This meeting comes at an opportune time as the Philippines continues to position itself as a dynamic investment hub and an emerging gateway country to Asia,” said Lopez.
“We are filled with optimism that the EU-ASEAN Business Council sees the boundless opportunities in the Philippines that will drive our economic growth and address the social needs of our people,” he added.

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