Digital payments, AI, aviation drive PH-India push
Digital payments, artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications and aviation emerged as key areas for deeper Philippine-Indian business cooperation as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Indian companies in New Delhi on Saturday.
According to a news release from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the discussions, held on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, generated expansion commitments from companies already operating or maintaining a presence in the Philippines, reflecting growing investor confidence in the country.
India is also emerging as an important technology and business partner for the Philippines as both countries pursue digital transformation and stronger economic ties.
Marcos met with NPCI International Limited to advance cooperation on digital payments, including a partnership with LandBank to explore a payment system based on India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Trade and Industry Secretary Maria Cristina Roque said the proposed system could benefit overseas Filipino workers, businesses and ordinary consumers, particularly small and medium enterprises.
“If this pushes through, it will be very good. It will not only be used by our OFWs and businesses but by everyone in the country, especially small and medium enterprises,” she said.
The initiative could improve interoperability of QR-based payments, streamline government transactions and facilitate faster cross-border payments.
Marcos also met executives of GMR Group and representatives of Cavitex Holdings Inc. to advance the Sangley Point International Airport project.
Roque said new airport infrastructure would be crucial as the Philippines anticipates continued growth in air travel, tourism, and trade.
“We need to push airport projects because we are expecting more planes to land in the Philippines. We also want to further promote tourism and trade,” she said.
The proposed Sangley airport is envisioned as a multi-runway aviation hub that would help decongest Ninoy Aquino International Airport, improve regional logistics connectivity and accommodate rising passenger and aircraft traffic.
At an Executive Roundtable Discussion, Marcos also met executives of Cognizant, VVDN Technologies, Hinduja Group, and HCLTech. Roque said the companies expressed plans to expand in digitalization, AI, telecommunications, and other technology-driven industries.
“They are very happy with the economic policies of the administration. They want to continue expanding, especially in digitalization, AI, and telecommunications,” she said.
She added that the companies’ existing Philippine operations gave them firsthand experience of the investment environment.
“Because they are already in the Philippines, they know how things work and they are happy with their businesses. In fact, they said the Philippines is one of the best destinations for trade and business for them,” Roque said.
Roque cited the Filipino workforce and the country’s growing digital economy as key advantages in attracting further technology investment.
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