The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is eyeing additional infrastructure projects to be funded by China in the aftermath of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
“Once we overcome this Covid [crisis] we will have a continuous interaction with China and our cooperation in the infrastructure sector will only grow stronger,” Public works secretary Mark Villar said during the pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) virtual forum on Wednesday.
He cited the China-funded Binondo-Intramuros Bridge and the Estrella-Panteleon bridge as proof of the country’s strong relations with the Chinese government when it comes to construction projects.
Aside from both bridges, China is also funding the construction of the controversial Kaliwa Dam project located in the boundary of province of Rizal and Quezon.
But aside from infrastructure projects, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) said the country is also considering cooperation with China in other sectors.
“Philippines is a very open economy and there are significant trade, tourism and even infrastructure and investment linked with the Philippine and China. And the sooner that we address Covid-19, the sooner we could actually deepen these ties,” Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said.
The economic managers issued the statement despite the country’s existing territorial dispute in the South China sea.
Malacañang earlier said that while the country’s to push for its territorial claims, it will continue to pursue other joint initiatives with China in the business and most recently in the development of potential medical treatment for Covid-19.
Image credits: Bernard Testa