Qatar investors eye Philippines dairy, cooling sectors

MANILA, Philippines — Companies engaged in dairy production and providing district cooling systems in Qatar are interested in making investments in the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual met with officials of Qatari food firm Baladna to discuss the planned establishment of a large-scale, fully integrated dairy facility in the Philippines. 

Baladna  is a trusted milk, dairy, juice and food brand in Qatar.

During the meeting, Pascual emphasized the huge demand for dairy products in the Philippines, with imports reaching close to P3 billion.

According to Pascual, the government is addressing the huge demand and supporting local production.

 “The Philippine government stands ready to support Baladna to realize its planned investments in the country. Through a whole of government approach, the DTI and the Board of Investments (BOI) are ready to facilitate business-to-business meetings and introductions to potential joint venture partners for Baladna,” Pascual said.

He said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is also identifying locations for the proposed dairy facilities.

 With concerns on mislabeling raised in the Philippine National Dairy Roadmap 2020 to 2025, the National Dairy Authority and the Food and Drug Administration are committed to the continued  conduct of discussions and review of the Philippine National Standard to ensure fair competition and consumer protection through clear and accurate labeling standards within the dairy industry.

Pascual said the DTI would also work with the DA in coming up with policies to create a level playing field for all milk and dairy producers in the country.

In a separate statement, the DTI said Pascual also met with Qatar Cool (QC) CEO Yasser Al Jaidah as well as commercial and finance director Mohannad Khader to discuss the firm’s interest in setting up district cooling systems in the Philippines. 

QC, which is the largest district cooling systems provider in Qatar, is looking to partner with major developers focusing on district-wide or township developments in the Philippines.

The company was also invited to consider locations outside Metro Manila, which offer high-density developments.

Last March, QC visited potential sites in the Philippines and follow-up discussions are being conducted with prospective partners to ensure successful district cooling systems adoption.

QC’s district cooling systems technology offers a cost- and energy-efficient solution compared to individual building heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

The DTI sees the firm’s technology as a good fit with the current administration’s goal of a 20 percent reduction in energy consumption by 2030, with the energy sector as a key focus area.

“The DTI, together with relevant stakeholders, is committed to supporting QC’s exploration of the Philippine market. The Department of Energy will further assess QC’s business model for potential BOI endorsement. Additionally, exploring opportunities in other locations and projects presents exciting possibilities for collaboration,” Pascual said.

Beyond district cooling, the DTI said there are other opportunities in the Philippines for QC including participation in large-scale infrastructure projects like the New Manila International Airport and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which consume vast amounts of energy for cooling purposes.

With the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan  estimated to have an annual passenger capacity of 100 million, there is potential demand for efficient cooling solutions.

“The DTI looks forward to further discussions with QC and facilitating their successful investment journey in the Philippines, which can contribute significantly to the country’s energy efficiency goals,” Pascual said.