Recognizing the Philippines’ growing demand for sustainable and safe water services, several German water technology firms are exploring opportunities to expand into the Philippine market. This development was emphasized during the German-Philippine Conference on Water Technology, organized by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) in partnership with the Philippine Water Works Association (PWWA) at the Makati Diamond Residences. The event brought together German and Philippine stakeholders to discuss cooperation in sustainable water solutions, industrial applications, and infrastructure development.
GPCCI Executive Director Christopher Zimmer noted that combining German innovation with Philippine market potential can unlock new pathways for cleaner, smarter, and more resilient water systems, adding that the chamber facilitated more than 80 B2B meetings to initiate concrete cooperation. The conference formed part of a broader German business mission on water technology, which brought ten German firms to the Philippines from 24–27 November 2025 under the Foreign Market Entry Programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). The initiative supports small and medium-sized enterprises through market exploration, knowledge exchange, and targeted business matchmaking.
Lucie König of the German Water Partnership (GWP) emphasized Germany’s more than 150 years of experience in water supply and wastewater treatment, operating a decentralized and highly specialized system tailored to local conditions. She expressed GWP’s readiness to deepen cooperation in South and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.
Philippine agencies highlighted the urgency of strengthening local water infrastructure. Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Chief Regulator Patrick Lester Ty noted that Metro Manila’s water and wastewater ecosystem now serves more than 17 million people, a rapidly growing population with increasing demand, and stressed that German engineering offers the performance, efficiency, and durability needed for the next wave of infrastructure development. Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Chairperson Atty. Lindey Dela Cruz Santillan said the Philippines must 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 suited to both countries’ contexts.
The visiting German delegation comprised ANDRITZ Separation GmbH, a global provider of solid–liquid separation and digitalization solutions used across environmental, chemical, mining, and food industries; ATEC GmbH, a specialist in precision-engineered sluice gates, penstocks, valves, and flood protection systems; AuCom Applied Motor Controls GmbH, an international provider of high-quality soft starters and variable frequency drives; Herrenknecht AG, the world leader in mechanized tunnelling systems widely used in Philippine water and sewer network construction; IMPREG GmbH, a pioneer in UV-CIPP liner technology for trenchless rehabilitation of stormwater and sewer pipes; Muhr GmbH, which supplies hydropower and water management equipment including trash rack cleaners and intake screens; Otto Graf GmbH, known for stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and rainwater harvesting systems; Rädlinger Primus Line GmbH, developer of trenchless solutions for rehabilitating pressurized pipelines through its Primus Line technology; Reline Europe GmbH, an expert in UV-cured glass-fiber 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 stated that German companies bring decades of engineering 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 high-impact sectors.