NPA presence a hurdle to Malaysian investments in Mindanao, says Duterte

From GMA News (Nov 11): NPA presence a hurdle to Malaysian investments in Mindanao, says Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte said the presence of the New People's Army in Mindanao was a roadblock to Malaysian investment in palm oil projects in the island.

He made the pronouncement on Friday morning after arriving from his two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur.

"For as long as there's always a threat, they cannot do anything," said Duterte, whose administration is currently engaged in talks with the Communist rebels.

 Duterte said he was considering bring this to the table in the talks in Oslo, Norway.

He said there had been agronomists that conducted a feasibility study on palm oil projects in the country.

"And after positive findings and suitability sa soil, what happened, the NPA just simply said no to palm oil," he said. "Ang problema nito, maraming expert sa internet," he added.

The Malaysians will try to introduce palm oil projects again, said Duterte, adding that he would be consulting experts on the effects of these projects on the environment.

"While waiting for the final result, ano man yan, we have to improve the lives of people," he said.

Along with agri-business, Duterte said the focus of his discussion with Malaysian leaders centered on infrastructure.

Mass transportation He said they discussed potential deals in mass transportation development, construction of regional centers, development of halal certified products, and processing of high value crops.

"I asked DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) to follow through (on these projects) to ensure trade and investment with our 10th largest trade partner," said Duterte.

The implementation of several infrastructure projects could be expected next year.

"I could say, it could keep our country busy in the coming months. There will be a lot of projects in the streets, expect commotion," the President said.

He added that the Metro Rail TRansit, is among the infrastructure projects expected next year.

"'Yun ang mauna talaga because it involves mass transport," he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/588423/news/nation/npa-presence-a-hurdle-to-malaysian-investments-in-mindanao-says-duterte