|
Friday, September 27, 2002
Right environment needed to attract investors in logistics: industry player
By Jessica B. Natad
THE government should come out with an executive order to be able to attract investors to invest in its sustainable logistics development plan (SLDP).
According to Coalition for Port and Shipping Modernization (CPSM) executive director Vicente Gambito, it is only when the right environment is set that investors would be willing to risk their money on logistics projects.
These remarks followed the announcement of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) that President Arroyo had just approved last week the release of P30 billion to support the government’s sustainable logistics development plan (SLDP).
He said DBP’s role would be to provide development loans to the private sector and local government units as well as those willing to invest in the projects outlined by DBP. These include the roll-on roll-off (roro) ferry network, cold chain facilities and bulk chain facilities.
Roro network
For the roro ferry network, some P4 billion is allocated for the serial building of 96 roll-on roll off vessels and another P3.5 billion to finance the improvements of the country’s roro ferry ports.
As regards the cold chain facilities, some P8 billion would be lent out to investors who are willing to establish the 16 planned processing and marketing centers, and P3 billion and P5 billion for the aggregating centers and reefer transport equipment, respectively, Gambito said during a consultation with Cebu-based exporters at the Holiday Plaza Hotel Wednesday.
For the bulk chain facility, on the other hand, P2.5 billion is allocated for the establishment of processing centers, and P4 billion for the construction of bulk terminals, handling and transport.
Gambito said the DBP had already asked the support of the various government agencies for the success of the SLDP.
DBP is asking the Department of Transportation and Communications to provide a conducive regulatory environment. From the Department of Public Works and Highways, it seeks access roads to the ports; from the Department of Agriculture, post-harvest facilities and financing of agricultural products; from the National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Finance, fund sourcing; and from the Department of Interior and Local Government, the promotion of good governance.
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
