THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority’s (PEZA) top official expressed confidence that the agency can sustain its growth for the rest of the year through the China+1+1 business strategy, stable policies, globally competitive incentives through the Create More law, and a nationwide network of ecozones.
China+1+1 is an extension of the China+1 strategy, in which companies lessen trade reliance on China by diversifying their manufacturing and supply chains to at least two countries, with the Philippines regarded as the “second plus one“ among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
“Global companies are repositioning, and the Philippines is ready to seize these opportunities. Through our mission of eco-zoning the country, we are not just matching investors with ready sites, we are building inclusive and sustainable growth corridors that translate to jobs, exports, and shared prosperity,” PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said in a statement.
In the first seven months, approved investments totaled P90.96 billion in new and expansion projects — or double the P45.48 billion recorded year-on-year, PEZA reported.
The investments will provide 35,874 direct jobs and a 24.37-percent jump in exports worth over $2 billion.
“Investors are scaling up in our ecozones because they recognize our stable policies, world-class talent, and our whole-of-government commitment to building smarter, greener, and more inclusive growth centers across the country,” Panga added.
For instance, he said, an EMS-SMS (electronics/semiconductor manufacturing services) expansion project in Batangas worth over P13 billion proves how PEZA locators can diversify supply chains while ensuring quality and efficiency amid global trade shifts.
The facility will manufacture computers, optical products, semiconductor devices, and other electronic components, all of which will be exported to the United States.
Likewise this month, PEZA signed 17 high-impact projects worth P18.6 billion — estimated to earn $744.06 million in annual exports once fully operational, and employ 2,891 Filipinos.
The undertakings include 11 in export manufacturing; three in facilities development; two in IT-BPM (Information Technology and Business Process Management); and one in domestic-market manufacturing.
These are located across Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Central Visayas.
PEZA said it remains optimistic as the Philippines continues high-level negotiations to compensate the 19-percent US-imposed tariff on Philippine exports, emphasizing that the country has one of the lowest tariff rates in Southeast Asia.
“This development signals a step forward in strengthening trade ties and expanding market access between our two countries,” PEZA noted. “Government and industry leaders are hopeful as well that the renewal of the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the start of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the US will drive the country’s future growth.”
Panga added: “Every approved ecozone project becomes an anchor for supply chains, MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) linkages, technology transfer, and quality jobs where they are most needed.”
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