THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the Philippines could develop a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry by tapping its biomass resources.
Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said he discussed the country’s SAF potential in talks with aerospace companies at the Paris Air Show on June 19.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) defines SAF as liquid fuel that reduces carbon emissions by up to 80%.
The Paris Air Show was conducted for the first time after four years. The DTI did not reveal which companies Mr. Pascual met with, saying only that discussions with them are ongoing.
To the air show participants, he also touted reforms that have made the Philippines more investment-friendly, such as the amendments to the Public Service Act, Foreign Investment Act, and Retail Trade Liberalization Act; the passage of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act; and Executive Order No. 18, which created a green lane for expedited processing of strategic investments.
The DTI’s participation at the air show was part of an investment roadshow due to run until July 6. The roadshow seeks to promote the Philippines as a “viable investment destination” for companies from France, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave