SEOUL 27 September 2018 – Ambassador to Korea Raul S. Hernandez represented the Philippines at the Global Infrastructure Cooperation Conference (GICC) co-hosted by Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), International Contractors Association of Korea (ICAK), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) at the COEX Intercontinental Hotel in Seoul on 18-20 September 2018.
ICAK Chairman Lee Kun-Ki underscored that the fourth Industrial Revolution cannot be achieved without proper infrastructure and conveyed ROK’s keen interest to expand its presence in overseas construction markets.
MOLIT Vice-Minister Son Byeong Suk stated that the use of advanced ICT in infrastructure development is driving growth in the overseas construction market with construction automation opening a new chapter in the global construction industry.
MOFA Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs Kang Jeong-sik emphasized that construction is becoming vital in inter-Korean policies and in economic cooperation overseas. He expressed hope that the GICC would foster discussions on how to address the financing gap in funding infrastructure development through diversifying financing schemes.
HIS Markit Managing Director Hazelton underscored that construction growth will continue to accelerate in emerging markets with Asia dominating growth opportunities. He cited the Philippines as one of the fastest growing construction markets. Director Hazelton also stated that non-residential growth would be driven by emerging manufacturing economies. The Philippines was cited as one of the countries with promising non-residential growth.
In the presentation of PPP Word Alvaro De La Maza Alba, the Philippines was also cited as the top Asian country by number of Public-Private Partnership Infrastructure Projects for 2014-2017. He further mentioned opportunities for Korean construction players in large scale PPP projects in Asia. For the Philippines, the North Luzon Expressway East PPP Project, Light Railway Transit System PPP Project in Davao, Central Luzon Link Expressway Phase III PPP Project, and the Plaridel Bypass Toll Road PPP Project were cited as promising areas for Korean construction players.
Since its inception in 2013, the GICC has provided an invaluable opportunity to learn about the latest technological trends and future prospects in global construction and to explore business opportunities in the booming overseas construction market.
The GICC was attended by transport ministers and vice-ministers, representatives of diplomatic missions, overseas delegations, representatives of member companies of ICAK and officials of multilateral financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
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For more information, visit www.seoulpe.dfa.gov.ph / www.philembassy-seoul.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinKorea/.
