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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider PEZA taps RCEP trade deal to attract more Australian, New Zealand investments

PEZA taps RCEP trade deal to attract more Australian, New Zealand investments

Published May 27, 2026 02:27 pm

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is looking to leverage the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the country’s strong bilateral ties with Australia and New Zealand to attract investments in key sectors.

In a statement, PEZA said it recently mounted a trade mission to Australia and New Zealand to deepen trade and investment relations and encourage more locators to invest in economic zones across the country.

The investment promotion agency (IPA) said the mission builds on RCEP, the world’s largest free trade agreement (FTA), which covers 15 member states including the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand.

RCEP is estimated to account for a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of around $38.81 trillion, or roughly 30 percent of the global economy.

The agreement supports the seamless flow of trade and investment among member economies, alongside cooperation in e-commerce, intellectual property (IP), government procurement, and other areas of regional integration.

PEZA said RCEP is complemented by Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Australia-New Zealand cooperation, which provides the Philippines with greater opportunities to attract investments in manufacturing, logistics, food processing, digital services, and green industries.

“Our people’s strong English proficiency, adaptability, professionalism, and natural warmth fit very well with the business culture of Australia and New Zealand,” said PEZA Director General Tereso Panga.

“Through PEZA, we are ready to provide the right ecosystem, support, and handholding needed for investors to grow and succeed in the Philippines,” he added.

During the trade mission, Panga said PEZA met with several Australian and New Zealand firms exploring expansion, outsourcing, manufacturing, and partnership opportunities in the Philippines.

Among these is artificial intelligence (AI) training support services firm Appen Butler Hill Pty Ltd, which conveyed plans to expand its ₱140-million investment in the country and increase its workforce of 700 by hiring 1,100 additional employees.

Australian-owned Haute Kitchens is also considering the Philippines as a potential manufacturing site for its bespoke kitchens, bathrooms, and wardrobes.

PEZA said two New Zealand-based companies have likewise expressed interest in investing in the country, particularly in dairy processing and tourism-oriented retirement estates.

Panga said the strong investor interest reflects the potential for broader economic cooperation between the Philippines and the two countries, especially amid global uncertainty.

“Through this mission, we wanted to show our Australian and New Zealand partners that the Philippines is not only a cost-effective destination, but a strategic partner that understands their business needs, work culture, and service expectations,” he said.

Investments approved by PEZA rose 72 percent to ₱109.43 billion from January to April, up from ₱63.52 billion in the same period last year.

Panga said PEZA remains optimistic it can sustain its growth trajectory in the second quarter on the back of its trade missions and the strong investment appeal of the country’s ecozone system.

Related Tags

Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Australia New Zealand
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