JAPAN'S Sumitomo Corp. revealed plans to expand railway and energy infrastructure investments in the Philippines during a meeting with Finance Secretary Frederick Go.
Company officials were said to be eyeing opportunities that would contribute to operations and maintenance of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) — a 147-kilometer railway project that will connect Clark International Airport in Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna.
"Sumitomo has long been one of the Philippines' most valued partners," Go said.
"We look forward to deepening this partnership through strategic investments in infrastructure and other key sectors that will strengthen our competitiveness and support our long-term economic development."
Sumitomo said it aimed to support the development of a more integrated and efficient rail network in the Philippines and was also looking at scaling investments in energy infrastructure, including renewable energy projects that would support railway operations.
The company has notched more than four decades of involvement in Philippine rail development, having participated in the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and the Light Rail Transit Line 1 projects.
It is currently involved in the MRT-3 Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project, Metro Manila Subway Project, and two contract packages under the NSCR.
