Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with global food technology companies Food Starter Philippines, a subsidiary of Singapore’s Food Starter Pte. Ltd., and World Food Chain Pte. Ltd.
“This most recent MOU advances our efforts to start developing a food hub ecosystem aggregator which will ensure sustainable food security solutions,” said CIAC president Arrey Perez.
Food Starter and World Food Chain are leading firms in global food sourcing and technology. They specialize in food procurement and operations, including expertise in agricultural financing and investments across the globe.
Perez said the P8.5-billion, 62-hectare Clark National Food Hub project is set to replicate state-of-the-art agro-logistics system of food hubs in advanced Asian countries, raise the standards of food safety and provide better opportunities for the local farmers, fisherfolk and growers.
He said the MOU would provide technical and advisory assistance on transport, trade and investment, warehousing and storage infrastructure development, and trade visits to strategic logistics hubs within members of the ASEAN.
The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) agreed to include CIAC’s food hub project in the Public Investment Program for 2023 to 2028.
“The partnership is the right move at the right time, as it guarantees a modernization of the national food hub, and that we’ll be able to address key challenges in its operation, maintenance and sustainability,” Perez said.