Local contractors and construction companies have sought to tap the prospective infrastructure opportunities in the Pacific Melanesia Region.
More specifically, Philippine contractors are reportedly looking at Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement.
To prepare local contractors for the planned expansion plan in these three countries, the Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) conducted late last month its 5th Philippine Overseas Construction Symposium. This was meant to assist, prepare, and support Filipino construction industry players in penetrating the Melanesia market.
The symposium was attended by 145 high ranking officers from the Filipino construction contractors, consultants, suppliers, and other industry players who listened to esteemed speakers, networked, exchanged ideas and experiences with their colleagues in the construction industry. Participants were also able to establish links and forge comprehensive cooperation among themselves.
Speaking at the said forum, POCB chair and DMCI Holdings president and CEO Isidro A. Consunji urged participants to remain motivated and interested in improving and adding value to their construction businesses through networking and business matching, and by actively participating in construction outbound missions.
Participants were likewise oriented on the Quadruple A category of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB).