The kingdom of Bahrain could help finance construction and development in the Philippines, if it becomes an investor in the government's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program.

Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain Ma. Corazon Yap-Bahjin called on new Mumtalakat CEO Mahmood Al Kooheji on August 7 to urge the country to consider investing in key infrastructure and socio-economic projects in the Philippines.

Mumtalakat, the kingdom's investment holding company for its non-oil and gas assets, invests Bahrain’s sovereign wealth funds in projects worldwide.

Kooheji, who is also the chief executive of Tamkeen, Bahrain’s Labor Fund, and chairman of Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), one of the world's largest aluminum smelters, stated that his policy compass is pointed towards the East, and that he believes in the importance of engaging countries in the region in pursuit of Bahrain’s own economic growth and development.

The Mumtalaki chief committed to study the projects and meet with Philippine authorities once the related preparatory work is done.

Bahjin also discussed with Kooheji the possibility of joint cooperation in human resources development, including technical education and training in various fields, under existing bilateral arrangements.

The government's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program seeks private investors to help finance the construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure and development projects. — BM, GMA News