Cabinet members in China talks on infra projects

BEIJING — Six Cabinet secretaries were here last Aug. 22 to 24 for meetings with Chinese officials on projects to be undertaken by China in the Philippines. ?

Secretaries Carlos Dominguez III of finance, Alan Peter Cayetano of foreign affairs, Mark Villar of public works, Arthur Tugade of transportation, Ernesto Pernia of National Economic Development Authority and Benjamin Diokno of budget held discussions to assess the progress of the first basket of projects, including the Chico Dam rehabilitation in Kalinga province, the Kaliwa Dam in Quezon, the Manila-Bicol railway and the two bridges to be built across Pasig River.?

The feasibility studies for these projects have mostly been completed and negotiations are now on the loan packages for the projects. ?The two Pasig bridges are outright donations of the Chinese government.

They also had discussions on the possible projects for the second phase, which could include the Clark-Subic cargo railway, phase one of the Mindanao railway from Davao to Tagum, a Davao-Samal bridge, as well as projects in the Visayas linking the various islands such as Negros, Guimaras-Panay. ?

A grant to conduct feasibility studies for these and other projects was also discussed.?

Philippine ambassador to China Chito Sta. Romana told The STAR in an interview at the embassy here that discussions were very productive and several agreements could be signed when Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Manila in November. ?

The ambassador also said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit Manila middle of next month.