Germany an ideal ‘Build, Build, Build’ partner: Envoy

“We have companies like the Herrenknecht AG, which is one of the world leaders in building tunnels for infrastructure development so I think Germany is an ideal partner actually for the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program,” he told reporters in an interview. (File Photo: German Embassy Manila/Website)

MANILA— Germany is an ideal partner in the Philippines’ “Build, Build, Build” program as the European state has the expertise and companies that offer services on infrastructure development, German Ambassador to Manila Gordon Kricke said on Tuesday.

“We have companies like the Herrenknecht AG, which is one of the world leaders in building tunnels for infrastructure development so I think Germany is an ideal partner actually for the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program,” he told reporters in an interview.

Under the ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program, the Duterte administration is seeking to construct big-ticket projects that include six airports, nine railways, three bus rapid transits, 32 roads and bridges, and four seaports.

The initiative that has around USD180 billion (PHP9 trillion) in the budget over the next five years, will also construct energy facilities, irrigation systems, and flood control facilities.

While no German company has participated in any project under the infrastructure program, Kricke expressed optimism on the possibilities of German companies being “part of it.”

Last February, he said a delegation composed of Germany’s leading construction firms visited Manila to scope out opportunities in the country.

Among the representatives present are from Herrenknecht AG as well as MULAG Fahrzeugwerk Heinz Woessner GmbH & Co. KG, AuCom MCS GmbH & Co. KG, Hauff Technik GmbH & Co. KG, and ThyssenKrupp AG.