-
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will launch a new partnership with the Philippines to scale up infrastructure development and construction of transport systems
-
The US also eyes expanded air connectivity and a modern bilateral aviation relationship with the Philippines
-
USAID will work with US Congress to provide US$5 million to support scaling up the country’s infrastructure
-
This assistance will include supporting project preparation and developing public-private partnership structures on critical public infrastructure projects including railways, ports and transport systems
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is launching a new partnership to scale up infrastructure development in the Philippines and support the construction of high-quality railways, ports, and transport systems, according to a White House fact sheet on May 1.
In addition, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) throughout 2023 will launch new sustainable infrastructure activities intended to leverage over US$3 billion in public and private financing to strengthen the Philippines’ critical mineral supply chains, advance smart grid technologies and clean energy solutions, promote secure 5G deployment, strengthen airport security and maritime safety, and support healthcare infrastructure across the Philippines.
The two countries also seek to expand air connectivity and modernize bilateral aviation relationship, according to the fact sheet. A technical aviation dialogue at the upcoming APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting in Detroit will be formalized by US and Philippine aeronautical authorities to enhance policy and regulatory alignment, with a view towards modernizing the US-Philippines air transportation agreement.
The announcements were made during President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s official state visit to the U.S. from May 1 to 4.
In a separate statement on May 1, USAID, an independent agency of the US federal government primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance, announced it will work with the US Congress to provide US$5 million to support the Philippine government to scale up the country’s infrastructure necessary to drive economic growth and improve connectivity.
The assistance will include supporting project preparation and developing public-private partnership structures on critical public infrastructure projects including railways, ports and transport systems, with a greater focus on transparency, participation and stakeholder engagement in the entire infrastructure project cycle.
“This builds on USAID’s existing partnership with the Government of the Philippines to strengthen government capacity to deliver high-quality public investment projects,” it said.
Under this technical assistance, the US government will work closely with the Philippine government in identifying these priority projects.
The $5 million is part of the $135 million USAID will provide, subject to Congressional approval, in new assistance to reinforce the US’ commitment to the Philippines and its role in a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
US President Joe Biden also intends to dispatch a Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines on his behalf – the first mission of its kind – to enhance U.S. companies’ investment in the Philippines’ innovation economy, its clean energy transition and critical minerals sector, and the food security of its people. The mission will feature the highest caliber of U.S. business leaders, the fact sheet noted.
RELATED READ: ‘First of its kind’ US presidential trade, investment mission to PH eyed
