India's Hinduja Group Seeks Local Partners for PUV Modernization Program

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has committed to help the Hinduja Group of Companies find a local partner for its plan to manufacture buses for the Philippines government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), should it decide on a partnership model for the business venture.

In a meeting with the DTI last August 23, Hinduja Group (Europe) Chairman Prakash P. Hinduja was assured of this support.

Hinduja Group is one of the largest diversified groups in the world, with investments in automotive, oil and gas, real estate, power, healthcare, trading, information technology, media, banking, and finance. The group is present in the country through its subsidiary, Hinduja Global Solutions Philippines, an IT-BPO company with around 9,000 employees in its 11 sites located in Quezon City, Muntinlupa City, and Iloilo City.

Hinduja said he previously met with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and relayed that the agency needs over 100,000 vehicles for the modernization program. Aside from buses, the trade chief also urged the company to manufacture modern jeepneys and electric vehicles in the country.

Lopez said this is in line with DTI's plan to boost Philippine manufacturing to create jobs, answer domestic and export demand, and lessen the country’s dependence on imported products. Hinduja Group would explore the suggestions of DTI for this opportunity and see if progress can coincide with the upcoming visit of Indian President Shri Ram Nath Kovind to the Philippines.