Phl invites aircraft parts makers to locate here

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines wants to lure aircraft parts manufacturers to locate here in an attempt to make the country the hub for aircraft parts.

In an interview with reporters, Trade Undersecretary Cristino L. Panlilio said that during his recent US trip, he has met with Boeing to get the help of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer in inviting its parts suppliers to invest in the Philippines.

Panlilio said that the Philippines has the capability to produce aircraft parts. Panlilio was in the United States recently to lure potential investors. “We met Boeing when we were there because we want to get their parts suppliers to invest here. We are tapping manufacturers and assemblers of aircraft components.”

Panlilio noted that many of our electronic products are for aviation. “We have the capability. We are helping to grow that business for more exports to America. We are talking to those who are expanding their business here and the new suppliers. We are talking to aircraft and electronics instrumentation of airplanes.”

Panlilio said that during the Seattle leg of their trip, they went to Boeing in order to get a shortlist of their Asian parts components suppliers.

Panlilio said Boeing was already considering a South East Asian location for their parts suppliers. They are currently in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taipei and Singapore.

He said the Philippines already has Moogs and two other aircraft suppliers.

Likewise, Panlilio said he met with representatives from Washington State University to discuss agricultural matters. He said one is to improve the production in La Trinidad and Benguet province farms. He said they are working on growing strawberries all year round because right now its seasonal only five to six months.

The other project is improving our marsh lands our mangroves to make our marine production even more bountiful because the mangroves are the nursery of marine life and remember our mangrove areas are being depleted because they are converted to fish ponds enhance mangrove.

Also, Panlilio said he met with 25 representatives from 20 healthcare companies who are interested in putting up business process outsourcing centers here. He said the services offered may include medical consultancy and claims processing. He said this is good news for our nurses here because it is a good job opportunity for them.