'Achieve inclusive growth': Clark exec

CLARK FREEPORT – Clark Development Corporation (CDC), the Freeport's estate manager, highlighted investment opportunities and prospects within the area at the recent meeting of Rotary Club of Manila, Asia’s first Rotary club.

CDC President and Chief Executive Officer Agnes Devanadera emphasized Clark's economic potential and its growing significance in the region during the m eet i ng.

Devanadera disclosed a shift from regulators to enablers within the regulatory framework.

"With all these developments from a regulator, we have decided that there should be a mind shift. From regulators, we should be enablers. We ensure that regulations are friendly, aiming to keep people, things, and processes in order,” she said.

Shifting the focus to the CDC's strategic approach, Devanadera added that they did not go on road shows abroad nor aim for entirely new investors.

Instead, she said, the strategy adopted was to focus on existing locators.

"It is easier to attract them if they have had positive experiences with Clark, and indeed, many have expanded," Devanadera said.

“Our emphasis is on inclusive growth. As we earn and as our locators prosper, our advocacy is to achieve inclusive growth. Therefore, one of our key focuses this year is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs of our locators and Clark itself,” she added.

The Rotary Club of Manila, is led by its president and former Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan III and renowned for hosting influential leaders.

The club provided a platform for Devanadera to share insights into the CDC's vision and contribute to discussions on promoting sustainable growth in the region.