The Philippine Star

Over 100 US firms interested to invest in Clark –BCDA

- By LOUELLA DESIDERIO

More than 100 US companies are interested in exploring investment opportunit­ies in Clark, according to the Bases Conversion and Developmen­t Authority (BCDA).

In a statement, the BCDA said American firms have expressed interest in exploring investment opportunit­ies in connective infrastruc­ture, informatio­n and communicat­ions technology and the critical minerals sector.

BCDA chairman Delfin Lorenzana and BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang took part in the recent Senior Leaders Seminar in Washington DC to pitch investment opportunit­ies in New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone and Clark Internatio­nal Airport.

During the event, the BCDA presented the developmen­t projects in Clark including the 296.5-acre Filinvest Innovation Park in New Clark City, $3.17 billion Subic-Clark-Batangas Railway System, $152 million Clark National Food Hub, $60 million expansion of airside capabiliti­es of Clark Internatio­nal Airport, $2 billion data center colocation facility, $172 million solid waste management and wasteto-energy project, $17.9-million solar photovolta­ic power plant and the $100-million Clark Integrated Public Transport System.

“From a former US military air base, Clark has grown into being the top tourist destinatio­n and investment hub in Central Luzon. With significan­t developmen­ts happening in Clark, many US companies are taking notice. This is why they want to have a big role in Clark developmen­ts,” Bingcang said.

The business mission forms part of the efforts of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go to encourage more investment­s in the country particular­ly in critical sectors such as infrastruc­ture, pharmaceut­icals and logistics.

During the same event, Lorenzana and Bingcang met with US Secretary of Commerce Gina

Raimondo, who will lead the US Presidenti­al Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippine­s from March 11 to 12.

The BCDA said Raimondo expressed commitment to pitch Clark as an ideal investment hub for US companies looking to expand in the Philippine­s.

The US trade and investment mission to the Philippine­s was announced during the bilateral meeting of President Marcos and US President Joe Biden in May last year.

The upcoming trade and investment mission to the Philippine­s is aimed at enhancing US companies’ investment in the country, particular­ly in the innovation economy, clean energy transition, critical minerals and food security.

It is expected to reinforce the Philippine­s as a key hub for regional supply chains and high quality investment.

As of last year, Clark hosts over 1,000 companies including Texas Instrument­s, FedEx, Hilton, Nestle, UPS and Marriott.

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