Philippines’ DTI Eyes Project-Specific Investment Strategies From Qatar

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines is refining its strategy to attract investments from Qatar, moving away from broad-based sectoral promotions to a more precise, project-specific approach, according to Undersecretary Ceferino S Rodolfo of the DTI’s Industry Development and Investment Promotions Group.

“This refined strategy signals a more targeted and pragmatic approach by the DTI to capitalise on Qatar's investment potential, focusing on tangible projects that meet the specific requirements of Qatari businesses and funds,” Rodolfo told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.

“This means the DTI's role is evolving,” noted Rodolfo, who stressed that among the primary functions of the DTI would be to match the investor interest with ready projects in the Philippines.

Rodolfo emphasised: “These projects can be either greenfield ventures that are ready to progress from concept development to actual project implementation or existing brownfield projects in the Philippines that require financial partners. 

The focus is on projects that are bankable and market-ready.”

While selling products or services is welcome, Rodolfo highlighted the DTI’s preference for deeper engagement and attracting investments that add significant value, citing the Philippine visit by a delegation from Qatar District Cooling Company (Qatar Cool) last year.

The delegation met with representatives from the Clark International Aviation Corporation (CIAC), Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and the Vista Group to explore district cooling opportunities in flagship development projects in the Philippines.

Rodolfo emphasised that the Philippine government’s engagement with Qatar Cool may serve as a blueprint for value-added partnerships and a model for attracting future Qatari investments.

“What we’ve learned from our dealings with Qatar Cool is that there are opportunities for securing value-added partnerships that bring not just capital, but also specialised technology and operational expertise.

 This is a prime example of the kind of investment the Philippines seeks,” Rodolfo pointed out.

"For certain technologies, such as district cooling, Qatar may really have an advantage given their experience. 

The DTI aims to leverage such examples to attract more investors,” noted Rodolfo, who reiterated the DTI’s shift towards securing partners who can bring both financial muscle and proven, efficient technological solutions to Philippine-based ventures.

Similarly, Rodolfo said the DTI is also exploring ways to tap powerful sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East, such as the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), for projects in the Philippines’ ambitious ‘Build Better More’ infrastructure programme.

“The DTI sees significant opportunities for Qatar and other sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East to participate in key projects spanning transportation, digital infrastructure, and agriculture under this programme,” Rodolfo stated.

He suggested two main avenues for Qatari participation. One involves “industrial projects where Qatar has the capability to operate and invest,” similar to Qatar Cool’s district cooling system, Rodolfo said. The other, Rodolfo continued, is “more of financial investments in these infrastructure projects.”

He explained that this could mean directly connecting Qatari investors with major Philippine conglomerates like the MVP Group, which operates the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), or with ACEN, the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group, when it comes to renewable energy.

 He also mentioned the San Miguel Corporation, whose subsidiary, the San Miguel Aerocity Incorporated (SMAI), is developing the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in the province of Bulacan.

Flagship initiatives like the Central Luzon Economic Corridor and other connectivity projects are prime targets for Qatari capital, added Rodolfo, who emphasised that the DTI aims to leverage these large-scale programmes to provide tangible investment opportunities that align with Qatar's financial interests.