Kolkata: Singapore-based Universal Success Enterprises (USEL), led by Bengali industrialist Prasoon Mukherjee, is exploring investments in the Philippines in renewable energy and logistics parks as the govt promotes the country as a regional digital infrastructure hub. This would be one of the very few investments by a company of an Indian-origin entrepreneur in this Southeast Asian country.Potential investments were discussed during a meeting between Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary Cristina Roque and USEL founder and chairman Prasoon Mukherjee on the sidelines of Singapore Business Federation Asean Conference in Singapore.USEL is reportedly exploring partnerships with Philippine companies, including PLDT Group, to participate in the country’s expanding industry base. No investment amount, project location, capacity or timetable was disclosed.The talks come as the Philippines govt faces calls for greater transparency and independent assessment of Pax Silica, the proposed industrial hub linked to artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, logistics and other high-value technology sectors.Pax Silica project has been touted as potentially attracting as much as $70 billion in investments and creating about 190,000 direct jobs in the Philippines, although details about its financing, environmental impact, energy requirements and implementation arrangements remain limited.Roque said the govt would present USEL with investment locations and incentives administered by agencies such as Board of Investments, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Clark Development Corp and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
