German transport secretary eyes partnership with PH
Odenwald, Germany’s Federal state secretary for transportation and digital infrastructure, came to the Philippines through an invitation by his counterpart, Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade.
SInce the invitation was geared towards a possible partnership between the two countries, Odenwald brought a team of transportation businessmen from Germany. These businessmen specialize in various modes of transportation, especially railways and aviation.
Odenwald’s visit also became an instant roadshow, where the entire German delegation toured around Manila and Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga.
The Federal state secretary’s first stop was at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), where he met with Tugade to sign a cooperation agreement. Afterwards, he visited Lufthansa Technik Philippines, a service provider that caters to major airlines in this country.
Also, the German delegation had a special visit at the Clark Freeport Zone, where Tugade used to be president of Clark Development Corporation (CDC).
Clark is rising as a modern metropolis north of the Philippines, due to its favorable environment and accessibility. The current Philippine government is also mulling the creation of New Clark City, where key government offices will relocate to decongest Manila.
With the rise of New Clark City, more foreign investments are expected to pour in Pampanga – including enterprises owned by German nationals. Even now, German nationals are opening their own businesses in Clark, ranging from business process outsourcing to manufacturing or aviation.
Philippines’ German community accorded Odenwald a warm welcome. As a courtesy to the German state secretary, he was received in the German Embassy in Makati. The members of Philippines’ German Chamber of Commerce also met with Odenwald; thus, strengthening the community’s morale and commitment to more progressive developments.
