State-run Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is ramping up efforts to attract more global investors to the Clark Freeport Zone, starting with strengthening its relationship with Taiwanese firms.
CDC President and Chief Executive Officer Agnes VST Devanadera, and 17 Taiwanese companies, alongside Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Chairperson Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, recently met to discuss further collaboration.
As of September 2024, Taiwanese firms in Clark had invested $190.62 million, generated 2,076 jobs, and exported $10.32 million.
Devanadera said the CDC will continue to promote open communication and collaboration in addressing challenges and ensuring a conducive atmosphere for businesses.
“Let me first express our sincere appreciation at CDC because this community has never given us problems. It is probably because our lines of communication have always been open. Any difficulty, we talk,” Devanadera said.
Meanwhile, she encouraged Taiwanese businesses to explore new avenues for growth by engaging in trade with fellow locators within the Freeport Zone.
Devanadera said this strategy aligns with the business interdependence program launched by CDC last year.
“We mean business. We want to help you because we know you're here since we promised you a good business climate. So, on top of the good business climate, we encourage you to do business with one another,” Devanadera added.
Meanwhile, MECO Chairperson Velicaria-Garafil affirmed Taiwanese investors' eagerness to expand their presence in the Philippines.
“I can see the sincerity of the Taiwanese people to do business in the Philippines. So that's why I was telling Ma'am Agnes [Devanadera] that we should take advantage of their very open invitation, very open collaboration with us,” Velicaria-Garafil said.
The Taiwanese companies at the meeting were BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corporation, Bestelement Industrial Ltd. Inc., Fwu Kuang Enterprises Corp., Multi-Tek Fasteners Incorporated, and Haitima Clark Corporation.
It also included MSK Group Work Clark, Inc., Chitai Industry Philippines, Inc., Baynant Inc., Kaixin International Corporation, Win Formula, Inc., ALJ Outdoor Games Inc., EFNA Global Outsourcing Inc., EVA Airways Corporation, Starlux Airlines Co., Ltd., and Jade True Energy Solutions Corporation.