BOI woos Giant to set up manufacturing plant in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The Board of Investments (BOI) is hoping to get the world’s biggest bicycle maker Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. to set up shop in the country amid higher demand for bikes given limited transport options due to the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic.

“It (Giant) continues to be a good lead. We are looking at demand right now and what will happen. Maybe we can get Giant,” BOI managing head and Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo told reporters.

He said the Taiwan-based company is interested in coming to the country, and the agency has been in talks with the firm even before the pandemic.

While his last meeting with Giant was held in the fourth quarter last year, Rodolfo said discussions continue.

Given a proposed measure to set up bicycle lanes, he said the agency wants to push for manufacturing of bicycles in the country.

Suspension of public transportation earlier as part of community quarantine restrictions imposed by the government to prevent the spread of the virus, forced many individuals to look for other means to get to work including riding bicycles.

With bicycles seen as part of the new normal, Senate Bill 1518 or the Safe Pathways Act seeks to create a network of pop-up bicycle lanes that may be used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the bill, the lanes would be identified and set up by the Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works and Highways in coordination with local government units.

At present, Rodolfo said there are informal bicycle manufacturers in the country.

He said there are bicycle parts makers in the country, but they are exporting their output by and large.

If there would be continuous strong demand for bikes, he said the agency could encourage bicycle manufacturers to come to the country to cater to the local market.

As of yesterday, the government has allowed buses, modern jeepneys and UV Express services to resume operations, in addition to trains, taxis, transport network vehicle services, and shuttle services.

While public transportation is now allowed, social distancing would still have to be observed given the threat of COVID-19.