The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is exploring a potential agreement with Spanish engineering firm IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture SAU to establish a food and logistics hub at the Casiguran-based ecozone.

APECO President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gil Taway IV said he is looking to secure a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with IDOM following the agency’s investment mission to Spain last week.

In his meeting with Jaume Mas Vilella, Director of Logistics and Operations at IDOM, Taway said the discussion primarily focused on developing a food and logistics hub.

IDOM, he said, has a proven track record in developing large-scale infrastructure projects worldwide—constructing one in APECO could soon be its next major venture.

APECO plans to propose to the company a feasibility study for a food and logistics hub of up to 10 hectares, inspired by Barcelona’s Mercabarna.

Mercabarna is a 100-hectare wholesale and logistics complex that houses companies engaged in the distribution and preparation, as well as import and export, that deliver fresh food directly to consumers.

Taway said building a similar facility in the APECO ecozone would encourage agricultural production and value-adding industries in Casiguran, while improving the local food supply chain.

“It complements the agricultural and fisheries-based economic activities in Casiguran, giving our farmers and fisherfolk direct and closer access to markets,” he added.

Developing a food hub is expected to support APECO in its investment promotion efforts, taking into account a market intelligence report from the International Trade Administration (ITA).

The ITA earlier pointed to the proposed Clark National Food Hub as a potential driver of American investments, primarily from companies looking to expand their presence in food security, infrastructure, and technology.

According to APECO, IDOM will be among the companies involved in the project’s development.

Taway said the Spanish firm also expressed interest in helping the agency design its port facilities and cold chain logistics system, including assistance in securing funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

“IDOM’s proposal aligns with our goal to make Casiguran the Fishing Capital of the Pacific,” said Taway.

“This partnership can help us build the infrastructure backbone that supports food security, investment, and job creation,” he added.

Meanwhile, APECO is also seeking to secure an MOU with trade show operator Fira Barcelona for the development of a world-class convention center within the ecozone.

Fira is interested in assisting the agency in conducting a feasibility study for the project, which would be integrated into surrounding commercial and smart-city developments .

Taway said building a convention center is aligned with its mandate of promoting economic growth in Aurora through tourism by bringing in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

He noted that a working group will soon be formed to draft the MOUs. This will finalize the list of potential projects the agency will implement with IDOM and Fira.

“These partnerships can help bring world-class infrastructure and investment to Casiguran,” Taway said.