Gov’t thanks Japan for helping in economic development efforts

October 3, 2017

The Philippine government thanked on Tuesday Japan for its continued help in the Duterte administration's economic development efforts.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella noted how Tokyo has been assisting the country on its infrastructure projects as well as in addressing traffic, particularly in Metro Manila.

"We thank the Japanese government for helping us in our economic development efforts," he said.

He said the National Economic and Development Authority and the Japan International Cooperation Agency have been finalizing a roadmap that will identify urban transport strategies, address traffic demand in the coming years, and help spread economic opportunities in areas outside Metro Manila.

Abella also cited that the Japanese financial giant Nomura has taken notice of the Duterte administration's plan to roll out big-ticket infrastructure projects, including development of Clark International Airport as the second major airport by 2020; the 9,500-hectare Clark Green City; a 655-kilometer spine expressway across Luzon; and the Manila-Clark railway.

"All this would improve connectivity for tourism, agriculture and industrial sectors under the 'Build, Build, Build' program," he said. Celerina Monte/DMS