AlloyMtd To Embark On Philippine MRT-9 Project By First Half Of 2017

By Norsyafawati Ab Wahab PUTRAJAYA, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- AlloyMtd Group will embark on the Metro Rail Transit Line 9 (MRT-9) project in the Philippines by the first half of next year, President/Chief Executive Officer Dr Azmil Khalid said. "We are currently at the preliminary stage. We have made the proposal to the Philippines government. "We hope the government will give us the approval so that we can start planning for the construction at least by the first half of next year," he told Bernama. The infrastructure conglomerate has inked a joint venture cooperation Thursday with the East West Group from the Philippines to build MRT-9 at a development cost of US$1 billion (US$1.00=RM4.27). It is understood that the MRT-9 project will span about nine kilometres with 11 stations. Meanwhile, Azmil said AlloyMtd Group, which has several projects on stream in Philippines, was in the midst of completing two development projects, dubbed 'mini Putrajayas' by end of this year. The group has a presence in the Philippines since 2004 and its first project was the South Luzon Expressway. Azmil was met here after paying a courtesy call on Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in conjunction with the latter's two-day visit to Malaysia. "The meeting with the President was good. The President has affirmed that his government will give full commitment to matured investors and give a fast passage to get the approval. "Duterte also said today (Thursday) that he gives his personal guarantee and if we have any problems we can meet him personally. This to me is the best thing that any president can say, and he gave his message to his cabinet that any proposition must be approved within one month...this is fantastic," he said. "In addition, Secretary of Trade and Industry, Ramon M Lopez, in a business forum this (Thursday) morning, had said that the new Philippine administration is committed to encouraging investors to come in and make it easier for them," he added. -- BERNAMA