The Philippines is actively courting Chinese exporters and multinational companies to expand operations in its economic zones, positioning itself as an attractive “plus one” option due to preferential tariffs and its strategic location in regional supply chains, said Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director-general Tereso Panga.
This drive is a key focus of PEZA, which recently wrapped up its third trade mission to China this year, running from Nov. 24 to 26. Co-hosted with Filinvest Development Corp. and the Anvil Business Club, the mission generated investment leads from top manufacturers and investors.
The Philippine delegation engaged firms across sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, logistics, e-waste recycling and property development.
PEZA held a seminar in Hangzhou, attended by 28 companies, including Alibaba, Xiu Zheng Pharmaceutical Group, Yechao Electric Transmission Technology and Zhejiang Electric Power Design Institute. High-tech firms Zhejiang Dahua Technology and Zhejiang Uniview Technologies were visited, with both signaling interest in establishing manufacturing facilities in the Philippines.
Developers Hong Kong Yoatings Real Estate and Dalian Zhongchen Construction expressed intent to register as ecozone facilities providers to host Chinese companies targeting US and EU export markets.
In Shanghai, Oishi China Co. chairman Larry Chan conveyed interest in registering coconut processing facilities in General Santos and Quezon under PEZA. Chan cited rising Chinese demand and recent US tariff exemptions on coconut products as reasons for the planned investment.
The Philippines hosts over 100 Chinese companies operating in its ecozones, which generate more than 16,000 jobs.
Filinvest, a mission co-host, manages five PEZA-registered ecozones that host 82 companies, representing P66 billion in investments and 60,000 direct jobs.
