Tarlac eyed as next site for China-Asean trade expo

NANNING, China – The Philippines is looking to attract firms from both China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to do business and invest in Tarlac as the province is being positioned as the country’s next trade, investment and tourism hub at the 15th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO).

Speaking at the opening of the country’s national pavilion at the CAEXPO, Trade Undersecretary Nora Terrado said Tarlac has been chosen as the Philippines’ “City of Charm” for this year’s expo.

“Tarlac is a progressive and promising province that encapsulates in a single location a sustainable and globally competitive agriculture sector, industrial developments and attractive tourist destinations,” she said.

Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap said the local government wants the province to be known as the country’s next frontier in terms of trade, investment and tourism.

“Last year, Tarlac committed to become a major contributor for agro-tourism in the Asian region. Today, we pledge further and endeavor to become a major investment hub for China and other ASEAN member states,” she said.

Covering a total land area of 305,306 hectares in Central Luzon, she said Tarlac, which is a landlocked province, is insulated from major flooding and other calamities, making it an ideal place for business.

Tarlac is also just an hour away from Manila through expressways such as the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

In addition, the province could serve as a good location for business as it is close to the Subic Seaport and the Clark International Airport.

As Tarlac produces sugar, rice products and other crops such as organic vegetables, corn, sweet potato, chili and export quality okras, Yap said there are opportunities in agriculture in the province.

Apart from agriculture, there are also investment opportunities in logistics and distribution, real estate, processing and manufacturing, business process outsourcing, and tourism as industrial development and urbanization are on the rise in the province.

She said Tarlac’s showcase at the CAEXPO is expected to help achieve the local government’s aim to promote the province to investors.

Considered as the second biggest trade event in China, the CAEXPO is the only international trade fair in the region which seeks to promote the building of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and regional economic and trade cooperation.

This year’s CAEXPO at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Guangxi has a total exhibition space of about 80,000 square meters and 4,600 exhibition booths with around 57,000 participants.

“This is our chance to promote Tar- lac’s strong agricultural sector and high potential for industrial development in the Chinese and Southeast Asian market.

This will lead to more employment and livelihood opportunities to its locals through the entry of foreign and domestic capital that will boost our income-generating industries,” Yap said.