PH Invites Dutch Businesses to Invest in Infrastructure Flagship Projects

The Philippines has renewed its invitation to Dutch businesses to invest in the country’s infrastructure flagship projects.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain led the Philippine delegation to the roundtable and was joined by Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Eduardo J. Malaya and Commercial Counsellor Magnolia Misolas-Ashley of PTIC-Brussels. I Photo: Philippine Trade and Investment Center - Brussels 

A Business Roundtable on Philippine Infrastructure Flagship Projects was recently held at the Philippine Embassy in The Hague.

The event was organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Brussels in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in The Hague and the Philippine-Netherlands Business Council (PNBC).

The event brought together key Dutch industry players in engineering, flood risk management, and sustainable infrastructure, serving as a high-level platform for Dutch businesses, financial institutions, and government agencies to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines’ €24 billion infrastructure pipeline for 2025.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain led the Philippine delegation to the roundtable, presenting 42 flagship projects in roads, expressways, flood control, and climate-resilient infrastructure that are open for Dutch participation.

He was joined by Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Eduardo J. Malaya and Commercial Counsellor Magnolia Misolas-Ashley of PTIC-Brussels.

Sadain emphasized that Dutch businesses have a competitive edge in addressing the Philippines’ infrastructure needs, particularly in flood control, transport connectivity, and water security.

“The Philippines is open for business, and we want Dutch companies to be part of our infrastructure transformation,” said Sadain.

“With Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Official Development Assistance (ODA), and bilateral financing mechanisms, there are multiple ways for Dutch investors to engage in critical infrastructure projects that will deliver long-term value,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Malaya underscored, “The Netherlands is not just a valued trade and investment partner—it is a leader in sustainable infrastructure and water management.”

He noted that the Netherlands has played a key role in Philippine infrastructure development through its participation in past and ongoing projects, including the Bulacan International Airport, flood risk management initiatives, and sustainable urban planning collaborations.

“We are eager to strengthen this partnership by facilitating clear investment pathways and financing solutions for Dutch firms,” he added.

The open forum, moderated by PNBC Chair Saskia de Lang, saw active participation from key Dutch companies, including Royal HaskoningDHV, Janson Bridging, ING, and Rijkswaterstaat, as well as representatives from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dutch Embassy in Manila. Discussions focused on investment procedures, project financing, and strategic collaboration opportunities.

“The business roundtable does not end here. Our engagement continues, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) stands ready to provide further information, facilitate connections with DPWH and other government agencies involved in the 186 infrastructure flagship projects, and assist Dutch businesses in navigating Philippine infrastructure projects,” Counsellor Misolas-Ashley said.

Among the discussed opportunities for Dutch businesses and financing institutions were:

• Expanding Infrastructure Pipeline: The Philippines is accelerating investment in roads, flood protection, and transport projects included in the country’s major infrastructure plan.

  
  

• Flood Risk Management and Climate Adaptation: Dutch firms like Royal HaskoningDHV are already engaged in ADB-assisted flood risk management master plans for the Agno River Basin (Pangasinan, Tarlac), Mag-Asawang Tubig River Basin (Mindoro), and Cadac-an River Basin (Leyte), utilizing Dutch expertise in water management and nature-based solutions.

  
  

• Access to Dutch Government Financing: The Dutch side confirmed bilateral financing mechanisms with the Dutch government, including export credit financing and blended financial instruments for Dutch companies investing in Philippine infrastructure.

  
  

• Technology and Innovation in Infrastructure: Dutch companies were also invited to introduce or submit unsolicited proposals such as smart infrastructure solutions, advanced dredging technologies, and sustainable engineering innovations to enhance Philippine urban resilience.