The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is preparing to forge agreements with Spanish engineering firm IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture S.A.U. and global trade fair organizer Fira Barcelona following its investment mission to Spain from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3, 2025.
The potential memorandums of understanding (MOUs) focus on logistics, port infrastructure, and developing a convention center within the ecozone, according to APECO.
Discussions with IDOM director for logistics and operations Jaume Mas Vilella centered on establishing a food and logistics hub and improving port infrastructure.
APECO plans to tap IDOM to conduct a feasibility study for a five- to 10-hectare food and logistics hub. The project is inspired by Barcelona’s 100-hectare Mercabarna wholesale and logistics complex and aims to boost agricultural productivity, promote value-adding industries, and improve the local food supply chain, an official said.
IDOM, which is also involved in developing the National Food Hub in Clark and implementing the Philippines’ Food Logistics Action Agenda, also expressed interest in assisting APECO with the design of its port facilities and cold chain logistics system and facilitating access to funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
APECO also met with Fira Barcelona International chief executive Ricard Zapatero to explore a potential collaboration for developing a world-class convention center.
Majority owned by the Catalonia government, Fira Barcelona expressed interest in conducting a feasibility study and recommended integrating the project with nearby commercial and smart-city developments to ensure long-term sustainability. The initiative supports APECO’s mandate to promote economic growth through tourism and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) activities.
A working group will be formed to draft the MOUs and finalize the list of joint projects with IDOM and Fira Barcelona. During its investment mission, APECO also engaged with 11 other Spanish firms, including Amper Group, Geomystra, EM&E, Rafael de La-Hoz Architects, L35 Architects, GlobalTec, ACCIOM, Port de Barcelona and Mercabarna.
