The country’s aviation industry will help make the Philippines a travel and commercial trading hub in the Asia-Pacific region and a jump-off point to North America, an official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Friday.
Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim said the strengths and opportunities of Philippine aviation industry are vital to opening the country to international aviation landscape.
“We invite the world and the private sector to invest in the Philippine aviation sector because that’s the way to most effectively create infrastructure that will create connectivity among the islands to spur trade and commerce,” Usec. Lim said during the press briefing for the Singapore Airshow that will be held on February 20-25, 2024.
Citing the Public Service Act, Usec. Lim said the Philippines is open to foreign investments.
“That (Public Service Act) should set the tone in our sector that we are ready to take on the foreign investors interested to invest in the Philippines,” he explained.
The transport official further cited the world class technical and customer service skills of Filipinos working in the industry, vibrant international investment environment, strategic geographical location, and the country’s strong gross domestic product (GDP) growth that will help in strengthening the aviation sector.
“The Philippines offers unique geographic advantage that we must seize upon so that we can truly become one of the major regional hubs in Asia,” Usec. Lim said.
As a showcase to global stage, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista will lead the country’s participation to the Singapore Airshow through the Philippine Pavillon.
Renowned as Asia’s premier international aerospace and defense exhibition, the Singapore Airshow serves as a pivotal platform for industry stakeholders to build strategic alliances and drive transformative changes within the global aviation landscape.