Aware of the Philippines' growing demand for sustainable and safe water services, several German water technology companies are exploring opportunities to expand into the Philippine market. This development was highlighted during the German-Philippine Water Technology Conference organized by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) in collaboration with the Philippine Water Works Association (PWWA) at the Makati Diamond Residences. The event brought together German and Filipino stakeholders to discuss collaboration on sustainable water solutions, industrial applications and infrastructure development.
GPCCI Executive Director Christopher Zimmer noted that combining German innovations with the Philippine market potential can open new avenues for cleaner, smarter and more resilient water systems, adding that the Chamber has facilitated more than 80 B2B meetings to initiate concrete collaboration. The conference was part of a broader German business mission on water technology that brought ten German companies to the Philippines from November 24 to 27, 2025 as part of the Foreign Market Entry Program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). The initiative supports small and medium-sized companies through market exploration, knowledge exchange and targeted business matchmaking.
Lucie König from the German Water Partnership (GWP) emphasized Germany's more than 150 years of experience in water supply and wastewater treatment and operates a decentralized and highly specialized system that is tailored to local conditions. She expressed GWP's willingness to deepen cooperation in South and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.
Philippine authorities stressed the urgency of strengthening local water infrastructure. Noting that Metro Manila's water and wastewater ecosystem now serves more than 17 million people, a rapidly growing population with increasing needs, Patrick Lester Ty, chief regulator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), emphasized that German engineering provides the performance, efficiency and durability required for the next wave of infrastructure development. Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Chairman Atty. Lindey Dela Cruz Santillan said the Philippines needs to expand its water treatment and distribution systems to ensure safe and reliable services nationwide, adding that German technology can help build resilient and resource-efficient systems suitable for the contexts of both countries.
The visiting German delegation consisted of ANDRITZ Separation GmbH, a global provider of solid-liquid separation and digitalization solutions for the environmental, chemical, mining and food industries; ATEC GmbH, specialist in precision-manufactured lock gates, pressure pipelines, valves and flood protection systems; AuCom Applied Motor Controls GmbH, an international supplier of high-quality soft starters and frequency converters; Herrenknecht AG, the global leader in mechanized tunneling systems widely used in Philippine water and wastewater network construction; IMPREG GmbH, a pioneer of UV-CIPP liner technology for trenchless rehabilitation of stormwater and wastewater pipes; Muhr GmbH, which supplies hydropower and water management equipment including trash rake cleaners and inlet screens; Otto Graf GmbH, known for rainwater management, wastewater treatment and rainwater harvesting systems; Rädlinger Primus Line GmbH, developer of trenchless solutions for the rehabilitation of pressure pipes using their Primus Line technology; Reline Europe GmbH, expert in UV-curable fiberglass lining systems and robotic equipment for trenchless pipe rehabilitation; and Tholander Environmental Engineering, a manufacturer of customized industrial exhaust air purification systems.
GPCCI President Marie Antoniette Mariano explained that German companies bring decades of technical excellence and innovative solutions, while the Philippines offers a dynamic market with a strong commitment to sustainable development, adding that the mission reflects Germany's commitment to building lasting partnerships in influential sectors.