Wazzup Pilipinas!
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and the German Federal Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (BMVI) State Secretary Michael Odenwald signed today the Letter of Intent (LOI) on Cooperation in Maritime Transport between the Philippines and Germany.
The LOI aims to further strengthen the existing friendly ties between the Philippines and Germany in the field of maritime transport, through the expansion of activities to promote cooperation such as: conducting regular talks to discuss proposals; the development and implementation of certain projects of mutual interest; the organization of training courses in the field of business and maritime transport; exchange of information concerning the investigation of marine accidents; cooperation in marine pollution prevention; cooperation in the field of ports and maritime equipment, research, training, and staff development in the field of maritime transport.
“[This Letter of Intent] will firm the maritime relationship between the Republic of Germany and the Philippines. This document has been pending for a number of years and after that, lo and behold after barely three months we will sign the letter of intent,” DOTr Secretary Tugade said.
Earlier this year, the two leaders met in Germany where they had initial discussions on prospects and possibilities “to develop and implement projects of mutual interests, specifically in the fields of maritime, aviation, road transport, among others”.
Narrating what transpired during his first meeting with Secretary Odenwald, Secretary Tugade said he guaranteed the German Minister that businesses and businessmen alike who plan to invest in the Philippines will be assured of a level-playing field that is free from corruption.
“Mr. Minister, the Republic of the Philippines is opening its doors for business. If there is one thing that I can assure you in opening its doors for business is that there shall be no corruption. Corruption will be an intolerable, unforgivable issue when it comes to business relationships between our country and overseas,” Sec. Tugade said.
Describing their first discussion as a “meeting directly based on sympathy”, Secretary Odenwald said that he and Secretary Tugade both got along with each other in discussing projects and fostering productive relations between their two nations.
“I am convinced that we can now have a new start. That we can build on a very solid and good foundation. And you can see by the size of the delegation that I have brought with me that we are very willing to promote economic ties with the Philippines,” Secretary Odenwald said.
Aside from the signing of the LOI, which Secretary Odenwald described as the “the new basis for maritime transport relations” between the Philippines and Germany, he likewise expressed interest in helping the country develop further its airport and railway sectors.
“We are more than willing to share our knowledge and expertise in the field of railway sector. And I think that we should also continue this cooperation. In my delegation, we also have representatives that have a lot of expertise in the field of railway construction,” Secretary Odenwald said.
No comments:
Post a Comment