Qatari firm lines up $3-B investments in PH

A Doha-based investment firm is lining up $3 billion in potential investments in the Philippines, with initial interest in tourism, health care and technology projects, its top executive said.

JTA International Holding announced on Tuesday its first investment in the Philippines, with four projects currently being “seriously considered,” according to former Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Enunina Mangio.

JTA founder and CEO Amir Ali Salemi traveled to Manila this week to firm up the investments, which had been initially secured during an investment mission by the PCCI to Qatar in late 2025.

Among the projects under consideration are two tourism developments in Mactan, Cebu: a five-star hotel and condominium resort, and a separate five-star hotel and casino complex.

Health care, tech

In Metro Manila, JTA is studying a new tertiary hospital with a complete diagnostic center, as well as a $2-billion technology hub project in Pampanga in partnership with local telecommunications firm Converge ICT Solutions Inc.

Salemi said the four initial projects could generate more than 10,000 jobs.

“We don’t have any problem investing here, because I know the Philippines is growing. And we have many good opportunities here,” Salemi said. “JTA wants to invest in unique projects—trophy projects.”

Mangio said JTA was also awaiting documentation for other potential ventures, including an international port in Davao, solar energy projects endorsed by the Department of Energy, and a possible public-private partnership for an international airport in General Santos City.

While JTA earlier pegged its investment to $3 billion, Mangio said the figure is tentative and may change depending on regulatory clearances and entry of local partners.

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So far, she said, projects under serious consideration account for about $1.5 billion.

Salemi said JTA typically invests between 10 million and 500 million euros (P680 million to P34 billion) per project, taking 40-percent to 60-percent stakes alongside local co-investors.

The firm aims to begin at least one project by the last quarter of 2026, with another visit expected in March.

JTA is a private equity firm headquartered in Doha with operations in over 50 countries. It has interests in energy, steel, innovation, entertainment, health care, agriculture and urban development.