Colgate-Palmolive has stated it remains open to establishing a manufacturing presence in the Philippines should the next administration combat infrastructure problems, amongst others.

The company, which closed its last manufacturing site in the country in 2008, has said that the strong economic performance in the Philippines would drive them to re-establish a presence there should the national government address certain challenges such as the high cost of utilities like electricity and water.

Colgate-Palmolive Philippines Vice President and General Manager Stephan Lau said in an interview with www.philstar.com, “Right now, the Philippines is growing so fast. The Philippine market overall, I believe, continues to grow on a high single digit for both oral care and personal care. This year, I believe the growth will even be better because of the election season.
“Last year, we had a great APEC event, we had the Pope coming here, and now we have so many visitors coming into the Philippines. And everybody knows China is not going well.”

Touching on the infrastructure problems, Lau said, “With the new president I hope the infrastructure will be better so people can have more jobs and more income for their families. I hope the new government continues to improve the infrastructure of the Philippines, electricity and water (and bring) all these necessities at a very low and affordable price so that more international companies will continue to build supply chain within Southeast Asia.”