PH assured of German aid in transport issues
Dr. Andreas Kalk, resident director of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), expressed high hopes that the Philippine government would pursue its positive stance towards cooperation with foreigners, especially with German investors.
Kalk spoke at the German ambassador to the Philippines’ residence in Makati during the historic visit of Germany’s State Secretary of Transport Michael Odenwald on July 4.
“”We find it very interesting that a German ministry is working (with the Philippines) on transport issues,” said Kalk. He was referring to Odenwald, who came to the Philippines upon the invitation of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.
Odenwald signed a bilateral maritime agreement with Tugade right after his arrival in the Philippines.
Since GIZ works with Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Federal Ministry for the Environment, Kalk assured Filipinos that his organization would support any joint venture between Philippines and Germany.
“If any kind of support from the German government is solicited, we will be interested to follow this idea,” Kalk said.
GIZ Philippines
Kalk also revealed some projects under the existing collaboration between Philippines and Germany.
According to him, Germany’s BMZ is now helping the Philippine government establish peace in Mindanao. On the other hand, Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment is working with Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources on matters such as climate change and biodiversity.
However, GIZ clarified that it is not a funding institution. Instead, it assists stakeholders in creating sustainable plans for themselves.
GIZ is also working outside Philippines, addressing the Southeast Asian region’s need for urban development, social protection, and health.
