Swedish biz exec: CRK has a bright future

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2017/11/26/swedish-biz-exec-crk-has-bright-future-576750
• Tuesday, November 28, 2017

By Astrud Q. Aguinaldo

ANGELES CITY – Impressed with the plans on Clark International Airport (CRK IATA code), a top executive of Business Sweden said a “bright future” looks ahead of it.

Ulf Wennblom, Swedish Trade and Invest Council (Business Sweden) country manager, stated this when asked on his assessment of Clark airport during the Philippines Sweden Airport Collaboration on Tuesday at the Oasis Hotel in Barangay Balibago here.

Wennbolm also said Business Sweden is keen to invest within airport projects not only Clark but also in Manila and in other areas such as Cebu.

“I know Clark International Airport will turn into a major hub for the Philippines and we want to take part in that development,” said Wennblom.

“Our group would like to do business partnership here in the Philippines to learn both ways and share our knowledge in terms of Airport technology," he added.

Sweden's Ambassador to Manila Harald Fries led the delegation who are mostly involved with technology, infrastructure and aviation.

“Swedish companies have a long experience with high-technology solutions and environment-friendly solutions. I believe Swedish companies are good partners here in the Philippines,” said Fries.

Among the Business Sweden presenters were: Cavotec, leading airport systems integrator on integrated ground support equipment (GSE); Axis Communications, Swedish based leader in network cameras and video surveillance on Advanced network video solutions.

Other Sweden business presentations include, Volvo buses on terminal buses and transportation, Advanced Surface Movement and Control Systems (ASMC-S), and Remote Tower Technology, Xylem on energy efficient and sustainable wastewater pumping and Roxtec on cable and pipe seals.

Founded in 2013 by a merger of the Swedish Trade Council (Exportrådet) and Invest Sweden, Business Sweden is owned by the Swedish Government and the Swedish business sector, a partnership that provides access to contacts and networks at all levels. The Swedish government is represented by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the business sector by the Swedish Foreign Trade Association.

When asked if Clark's modernization will be in full swing, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Acting President and CEO Alex Caugurian said Business Sweden noticed continuous improvement on the facilities and infrastructures in Clark and finds their proposal “appropriate.”

Proven effective and efficient, the airport technology being presented by aviation experts from Sweden Business is now being implemented by various airports globally but for Clark, "it's a thing of the future" according to the CIAC head.

For instance, ground handler support from fuel to ground handling, Clark's practice is "above ground". Based on the presentation, everything is underground including fuel hydrant, clearing and clearing of aircrafts.

"Clark Airport is now becoming the service center main gateway of Northern and Central Luzon," said Cauguiran.

“With the leadership of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) we are now bidding for a construction of a new terminal. Hopefully by year-end we can do groundbreaking and start the construction next year,” said Cauguiran.

Target date of completion for the new airport terminal capable of handling eight million passengers a year is by first quarter of 2020 according to the CIAC head.

Cauguiran also underscored the full implementation of the master plan designed for Clark by French firm Aeroport de Paris.

With over seven decades of diplomatic relations, Sweden’s export to the Philippines has increased over the last few years. About 40 Swedish companies are already present in the country. More are expected to come in the next few years according to the website of Sweden Embassy in Manila.

New Clark City, Clark investment updates, latest developments in the airport were also present by the BCDA, Clark Development Corporation and CIAC, respectively.