BCDA, UK govt promote New Clark City to British investors
THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is urging British firms to invest in the New Clark City, particularly in the development of the country’s first smart and green metropolis.
BCDA and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK-FCDO) recently conducted an investment briefing in London.
Some 60 British investors involved in priority industries, such as information and communications technology, hospitality and transportation, attended the roadshow.
“I am proud to present New Clark City, BCDA’S next frontier of development, as it is expected to catalyze inclusive and sustainable growth in Central and Northern Luzon in the Philippines. We invite UK investors to look at the investment opportunities in New Clark City and be part of this development,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Aileen R. Zosa said.
The investment roadshow, BCDA said, highlighted the business readiness of New Clark City, as well as its competitive advantages with emphasis on optimal location, robust workforce, and advanced infrastructure to attract potential locators and partners.
“As the country’s first smart, resilient and green metropolis, New Clark City offers a unique opportunity for the UK to work with the government of the Philippines in boosting investment and driving local growth that opens up transparent, competitive opportunities for international business, including British business,” UK Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau Laure Beaufils said in a news statement.
BCDA said it was also able to conduct business-to-business meetings with interested companies, and learn from the UK’S expertise in mixed-use development, infrastructure planning and data center management through the conduct of a study tour.
The delegation met with different UK organizations, such as Transport for London, Foster and Partners, Connected Places Catapult, and London Legacy Development Corp. to discuss potential collaborations on sustainable infrastructure and smart cities planning.
The outbound mission was part of UK FCDO’S assistance to the BCDA under its Global Future Cities program, which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and urban resilience in 19 cities across the world, including New Clark City.
Prior to this, UK FCDO in April turned over to BCDA an integrated sustainability plan for the staterun corporation. This included the design of the New Clark City Central Park, a 44.8-hectare open recreational space envisioned to become one of the largest public parks in the Philippines, as well as a 33.89-hectare affordable housing project, also in New Clark City. UK FCDO also delivered the framework for the creation of a Sustainability Unit in BCDA.