DOTr explores partnership with Sweden for transport

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) continues to explore foreign expertise that would help in the development of the country’s transport sector.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade yesterday met with a delegation from Sweden, led by State Secretary Niklas Johansson, to discuss opportunities for cooperation and business in the transportation sector between the two countries.

The DOTr said members of the Swedish delegation included aerospace and defense company Saab, truck manufacturer Volvo, and Swedish export credit agency EKN.

Volvo and Saab were earlier reported to have been keen on providing sustainable solutions to the ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s infrastructure, particularly in setting up a bus rapid system and beefing up security in the country’s airports.

The Volvo Group manufactures trucks, buses, construction equipment, and industrial engines, while the Saab Group specializes in defense and security systems.

Last October, Tugade also met with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Philippines Igor Khovaev to explore possible partnerships and project collaborations with the DOTr.

The DOTr said Russia is keen on the projects that are part of the Duterte administration’s massive infrastructure program.   

The agency said the possible partnerships may come from both the Russian government and private firms.

Meanwhile, the DOTr, with the help of the French government, jumpstarted last month the feasibility study for an urban cable car project in Metro Manila.

The feasibility study, which will last for 10 months, is funded by a grant from the government of France amounting to around 450,000 euros.