Hitachi unit interested in subway, Malolos railway

THE railway systems unit of Hitachi Ltd., is interested in constructing the Metro Manila subway and Tutuban-Malolos railway projects.

“We are very much interested in the… Tutuban-Malolos railway, and the Metro Manila Subway,” Shinya Mitsudomi, Asia-Pacific managing director for Hitachi Ltd.’s Railway Systems unit told reporters in a media roundtable.

Mr. Mitsudomi said that the company sees “a lot of opportunities” in the Philippines, particularly with the Japanese government supporting infrastructure projects in the country.

“We [want to apply] our technology solutions to contribute to improving quality of life [in the Philippines], Mr. Mitsudomi said.

Both the Metro Manila Subway and the Tutuban-Malolos railway are projects funded through overseas development assistance (ODA) from Japan. Under the funding scheme, Japanese companies, or joint ventures involving Japanese companies, will be tapped for the projects.

“This could be a very big opportunity for us,” Mr. Mitsudomi added.

Mr. Mitsudomi said the company is in talks with “several local partners” to bid for the railway projects. “In every infrastructure business, we need to have the right local partner.”

Mr. Mitsudomi also said the company is interested in participating in the New Clark City development project.