REUTERS

THE PHILIPPINES needs to develop the capacity to process nickel domestically if it is to make progress in its transition to clean technology, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

In a statement, Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual urged the private sector to invest or seek global partners in the downstream processing of nickel, which he said will help position the Philippines in the supply chains of the clean technology industry.

Speaking at the ASEAN Investment Forum in Jakarta on Saturday, Mr. Pascual was quoted in a statement as saying that companies need to climb the value chain by investing to upgrade the semiconductor industry.

“Part of our strategic approach is to leverage these resources and enable us to move to higher-value activities by developing domestic middle to downstream processing of minerals, with high regard to sustainability,” Mr. Pascual said.

He added that the process of developing domestic capacity will require reliable partners for technical and financing capacity.

“Part of the development strategy of the Philippines to enhance economic performance and global value-chain participation is to work with global partners and to increase international engagements to create a more conducive environment for investments,” he said. 

“We are engaging with several partners at the multilateral, regional, and bilateral levels to pursue a framework that could mobilize sustainable investment in the Philippines,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile