PH aviation leaders bound for US trade mission
Philippine aviation industry leaders are heading to the United States this week to explore advanced airport safety and security technologies, as the country seeks to modernize its aviation infrastructure amid growing passenger demand.
In a statement, the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) said the Philippines would join Indonesia in a 15-member delegation of government and private sector representatives visiting Washington, DC, Boston and San Francisco from Oct. 26 to Nov. 6.
The “reverse trade mission” aims to connect Philippine and Indonesian aviation leaders with American companies offering technologies and services that could strengthen aviation safety, security and operational efficiency in the two Southeast Asian markets.
Among the areas being explored are airport security systems, passenger and cargo screening technologies, air traffic management, airport planning and modernization, and air cargo security solutions.
Delegates will meet American aviation companies, observe demonstrations of advanced technologies and hold discussions with officials of the US Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration.
A business briefing is also scheduled for Oct. 27 at USTDA’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, where American companies can learn about upcoming aviation projects and investment opportunities in the Philippines and Indonesia.
The briefing will include one-on-one meetings between US technology providers and delegation members.
“Indonesia and the Philippines are among Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing aviation markets, driven by rising passenger demand, airport modernization, and investment in aviation infrastructure,” the USTDA said.
“As both countries strengthen their aviation capabilities, they are creating opportunities for U.S. companies to provide advanced technologies, equipment, services, and operational expertise that support efficient, secure, and modern aviation systems,” it added.
Already, the USTDA has provided technical assistance for a gateway security program in the Philippines aimed at upgrading security screening systems at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Aurora ecozone
Separately, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco) is mounting its own investment mission to the United States and Canada to attract investors for defense-related industries, energy and data center projects.
The mission, running from Oct. 24 to Nov. 6, will promote the 12,923-hectare Aurora ecozone to prospective investors in both countries.
Apeco president and CEO Gil Taway IV said the agency would pursue discussions with American companies and sign agreements covering possible financing and installation of a liquefied natural gas-based power generation facility, as well as defense-related economic activities.
