Philippines Pursues Qatari Investment in District Cooling and Dairy Production to Enhance Self-Sufficiency
Source: The DairyNews
The Philippines is actively seeking Qatari investment in district cooling and dairy production to boost its domestic capabilities in these sectors. DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual recently spearheaded a delegation to Doha, engaging in strategic discussions with Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani, the Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry, and other key business leaders.
During his participation in the 'Creating Competitive Economies' panel at the Qatar Economic Forum 2024, Pascual outlined the Philippines' investment opportunities, particularly focusing on an integrated dairy facility and district cooling systems. The discussions were part of ongoing efforts following the Investor Roundtable in Doha, which highlighted potential collaborations.
Pascual revealed that Yasser al-Jaidah, CEO of the Qatar District Cooling Company (Qatar Cool), recently visited the Philippines to explore district cooling opportunities with various local authorities and private entities. This visit stemmed fr om Qatar Cool's interest in implementing their systems in major Philippine developments, particularly within the Clark Freeport zone, wh ere they are considering an unsolicited proposal for district cooling needs.
Qatar Cool, recognized as a global leader in district cooling, aims to support the Philippine government's target to reduce energy consumption by 20% by 2030. The company is examining various high-density development areas outside Metro Manila as potential sites for their technology.
Additionally, the DTI is facilitating discussions between Qatar Cool and potential local partners to further explore business opportunities. These initiatives are expected to enhance energy efficiency and contribute to sustainable urban development in the Philippines.
On the dairy front, Pascual highlighted the February 2022 memorandum of understanding signed with Baladna, a prominent Qatari dairy company. The agreement, which involves cooperation and information exchange with the Philippines’ National Dairy Authority and the Board of Investments, aims to establish a large-scale, fully integrated dairy operation with a potential investment of up to $500 million. This project is geared towards making the Philippines self-sufficient in milk production.
The government, through a whole-of-government approach involving the DTI, BOI, and the Department of Agriculture, is prepared to support Baladna in realizing its investment plans. This includes facilitating business-to-business meetings and identifying suitable locations for dairy facilities to meet the substantial local demand for dairy products, which currently sees imports nearing P3 billion.
These strategic efforts underscore the Philippines' commitment to enhancing its industrial and agricultural sectors through international partnerships, aiming for greater economic resilience and sustainability.
Pascual revealed that Yasser al-Jaidah, CEO of the Qatar District Cooling Company (Qatar Cool), recently visited the Philippines to explore district cooling opportunities with various local authorities and private entities. This visit stemmed fr om Qatar Cool's interest in implementing their systems in major Philippine developments, particularly within the Clark Freeport zone, wh ere they are considering an unsolicited proposal for district cooling needs.
Qatar Cool, recognized as a global leader in district cooling, aims to support the Philippine government's target to reduce energy consumption by 20% by 2030. The company is examining various high-density development areas outside Metro Manila as potential sites for their technology.
Additionally, the DTI is facilitating discussions between Qatar Cool and potential local partners to further explore business opportunities. These initiatives are expected to enhance energy efficiency and contribute to sustainable urban development in the Philippines.
On the dairy front, Pascual highlighted the February 2022 memorandum of understanding signed with Baladna, a prominent Qatari dairy company. The agreement, which involves cooperation and information exchange with the Philippines’ National Dairy Authority and the Board of Investments, aims to establish a large-scale, fully integrated dairy operation with a potential investment of up to $500 million. This project is geared towards making the Philippines self-sufficient in milk production.
The government, through a whole-of-government approach involving the DTI, BOI, and the Department of Agriculture, is prepared to support Baladna in realizing its investment plans. This includes facilitating business-to-business meetings and identifying suitable locations for dairy facilities to meet the substantial local demand for dairy products, which currently sees imports nearing P3 billion.
These strategic efforts underscore the Philippines' commitment to enhancing its industrial and agricultural sectors through international partnerships, aiming for greater economic resilience and sustainability.
