Qatar investors eye Phl dairy, cooling sectors

Companies engaged in dairy production and providing district cooling systems in Qatar are interested in making investments in the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

- LOUELLA DESIDERIO

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual met with officials of Qatari food firm Baladna to discuss the planned establishment of a large-scale, fully integrated dairy facility in the Philippines.

Baladna is a trusted milk, dairy, juice and food brand in Qatar.

During the meeting, Pascual emphasized the huge demand for dairy products in the Philippines, with imports reaching close to P3 billion.

According to Pascual, the government is addressing the huge demand and supporting local production.

“The Philippine government stands ready to support Baladna to realize its planned investments in the country. Through a whole of government approach, the DTI and the Board of Investments (BOI) are ready to facilitate businessto-business meetings and introductions to potential joint venture partners for Baladna,” Pascual said. He said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is also identifying locations for the proposed dairy facilities.