THE Department of Finance (DoF) said it met with Belgium’s sovereign wealth fund and other companies to explore public-private partnerships (PPPs) and sustainability projects.
In a statement, the DoF said that Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno met with La Société Fédérale de Participations et d’Investissement (SFPIM), or the Federal Holding and Investment Co., Belgium’s sovereign wealth fund, to discuss investment opportunities.
Areas of possible collaboration included PPPs in infrastructure and renewable energy.
SFPIM Chief Executive Officer Koenraad Van Loo was also quoted saying that the fund is interested to “explore partnerships in their priority sectors: finance, aeronautics, health, energy & utilities, transport & mobility, and impact investing.”
Mr. Van Loo also “expressed interest in learning more about the Maharlika Investment Fund once operational.”
In a separate statement, the Finance department said Mr. Diokno also met with Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) Chief Executive Officer Luuk Zonneveld for projects related to sustainable development, such as gender equality, climate action, and dignified work.
Mr. Diokno also discussed possible investments with the state-owned European credit insurance group Credendo and the Belgian Export Credit Agency.
Credendo Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Dirk Terweduwe was quoted as saying that the company’s risk outlook on the Philippines is stable due to “low external debt, adequate liquidity, and continued prudent government policies are supportive buffers in an uncertain climate.”
Mr. Diokno attended the inaugural Global Gateway Forum in Brussels between Oct. 25 and Oct. 26. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson
