Rafael Jose Consing Jr., president of the Philippines’ sovereign wealth fund – Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC), said its partnership with Dubai’s DP World, a global leader in port operations and end-to-end logistics solutions, is expected to build a world-class logistics platform for the Philippines.
In his Linkedin post, Consing said that MIC signed a memorandum of understanding with DP World witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on May 2, 2025 in Malacanang.
“I am incredibly optimistic about this collaboration, which is focused on building a world-class logistics platform,” said Consing.
He said that the MOU signing was a culmination of proactive international engagement and groundwork laid during foreign trips, including those to the UAE, by the President and the First Lady – efforts all geared towards attracting strategic global partnerships.
“For our archipelagic nation, ports and logistics transcend mere infrastructure; they actively forge our lifelines—connecting us to each other and the world—and are fundamental to powering our economic health. Better connectivity translates directly into lower costs for businesses and families, makes our exports more competitive, creates essential jobs, and signals to the world that the Philippines is building for growth. Ultimately, it helps lay the foundation for wider prosperity,” he added.
The ultimate goal, he said, is to significantly enhance the efficiency, capacity, and connectivity of Philippine supply chains.
The initiative is expected to directly attract significant foreign investment into the country through DP World, foster greater international trade, and drive substantial, inclusive economic growth across the archipelago.
Aside from the MIC partnership, DP World is also the strategic partner of Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) for the PHP 5.7 billion extension project of Pier 3 berth, boosting the capacity and capability of Manila South Harbor (MSH) and creating a world-class facility for the Philippines’ premier international trade gateway.
In a speech at the unveiling of two new STS cranes on May 2, 2025, DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem revealed they are seeing huge economic potential and are “lining up more investment projects in the coming years” to future-proof the gateway terminals in Manila, Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna in support of the resilient growth of the Philippine economy.
He expressed appreciation for the Philippine government and its partner ATI for their commitment to port modernization infrastructure.
“Investment in ports and logistics brings greater value down the value chain and prosperity to communities, a commitment which we embody in DP World as a trade enabler and leader in smart logistics,” he said.
The modernization project at Manila South Harbor includes extending the Pier 3 berth to over 600 meters, yard expansion to accommodate 20,000 TEUs, the addition of two new Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, and the purchase of eco-friendly landside equipment.
The investment increases MSH’s annual throughput capacity to over two million TEUs, growing capacity by over 25 percent from the previously recorded 1.45 million TEUs.
This enhancement enables the terminal to accommodate more cargo volume and larger ships deployed by international carriers, providing faster and safer turnaround times to support the country’s international trade.
