Ecozones are growth drivers

(From left): Marubeni Corporation Deputy General Manager for Next Generation Social Infrastructure Shirozono Kazuaki, Aboitiz Power EnerZone Group President and COO Dante Pollescas, and Commercial Counsellor and Director for Trade and Investment Michael Alfred Ignacio (From the left) front row: Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Tereso Panga, Consulate General for Osaka Voltaire Guzman, Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates Vice President for Sales, Leasing, and Business Development Monica Trajano, and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. Vice President and Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu), Inc., Director Hitoshi Kono at the Philippines-Japan Investment Mission in Osaka

BusinessMirror, 30 Oct 2024
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @ brownindio

An investor in the Philippines will get several advantages if it decide to locate in a Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) area. It offers several advantages such as ease-of-doing-business, one-stop-shop; non-stop-shop; no red-tape, only red-carpet treatment for investors; and no graft and corruption.

Furthermore, PEZA also offers other advantages which includes world-class, environment friendly; fully secured area perimeter; adequate, clean and uninterrupted power supply; adequate water supply; state-of-the-art telecommunications facilities; ready-to-occupy standard factory buildings; wastewater treatment facilities; computer security and building monitoring system; and presence of banks, fire fighting facilities and sports facilities.

Waltham, Massachusetts, United States-based Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. made the logical choice as it established their office in a PEZA area located in the Bridgetowne Destination Estate, the 30-hectare pioneering master planned integrated development of the Gokongwei-led Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC).

Konrad Bauer, Senior Vice President, Global Business Services, Thermo Fisher Scientific, told the BusinessMirror in an email interview that their new center represents a significant investment and strong commitment to the market.

“This PEZA-registered prime office development is strategically positioned in the Bridgetowne destination estate, Robinsons Land’s expansive mixed-use project that spans Quezon City and Pasig City,” explained Bauer.

Bauer said the Philippines is an ideal location for their new center due to its skilled workforce and strategic position in Southeast Asia. Further, he said the country’s highly educated talent pool and a supportive business environment are huge factors to attract investors such as Thermo Fisher.

He said the new Manila hub is going to play a huge role in expanding the company’s broader Global Business Services network, which is positioned as the transformative backbone of the company, centralizing many of its financial, accounting and customer care activities. “Working as one team, we combine our scale and depth of expertise to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer,” said Bauer.

Holistic Ecosystems for Long-term Success

Although designed primarily as industrial estates, Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) Economic Estates also offer holistic ecosystems that integrate critical infrastructure solutions such as reliable power, water, construction and telecommunication services, along with regulatory and operational support. Thes- comprehensive approach allows locators to optimize costs, enhance productivity, and focus on long-term growth.

“The success of Japanese companies in our estates is a testament to the quality of our business-ready ecosystems,” added President and Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates Head Rafael Fernandez De Mesa. “We remain committed to providing our locators with the best environment for growth through a seamless, sustainable, and forward-thinking approach to industrial development.”

As AIC continues to help in shaping the future of industrial development in the Philippines, de Mesa said the company remains steadfast in its mission to attract global investments, generate high-value jobs, and drive innovation. Through its strategic partnerships with both public and private sectors, he said AIC plays a pivotal role in advancing the government’s vision of building a more sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive economy.

AIC Economic Estates continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the Philippines as a premier investment destination. The recent Philippines-Japan Investment Forum served as a dynamic platform for promoting the Philippines’ strategic economic programs, competitive advantages in infrastructure, and the latest investment policies and incentives. Experts provided in-depth insights into the latest investment policies, tax incentives, and regulatory guidelines, offering potential investors the clarity and confidence needed to explore opportunities in the Philippines.

PEZA Director General Tereso Panga relayed President Marcos’ message that the country is open for business, and our ecozones are ready to welcome your investments.

With over 1,700 hectares of industrial development across four strategic locations—LIMA Estate in Batangas, West Cebu Estate and MEZ2 Estate in Cebu, and TARI Estate in Central Luzon—AIC has established itself as a vital partner in supporting economic growth in the Philippines. To date, AIC Economic Estates have generated more than 100,000 jobs and attracted P158 billion in investments. In 2023 alone, the Estates facilitated $3.4 billion in exports.