Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 22) — The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is optimistic the Marcos administration will back its proposal to create 13 new economic zones.
“Sa kasalukuyang ease of doing business na isinasagawa natin… mabibigyan ito ng pansin. Hopefully, itong mga nakasalang na proyekto ay mapabilis ang kanilang proclamation para maitaguyod ang pagdagdag trabaho at investment,” said Aleem Guiapal, PEZA OIC deputy director General for Finance and Administration.
[Translation: With the current ease of doing business that we are conducting… it will be given attention. Hopefully, these proposed projects will be immediately proclaimed so we can promote more jobs and investments.]
The Philippines stands to gain nearly ₱18 billion in investments once the new ecozones are developed.
Guiapal said the 13 new ecozones are located in Batangas, Bataan, Cavite, Davao, and Sarangani.
He noted businesses in ecozones outside the capital region “get around seven years of tax incentives.”
Seven of the 13 ecozones are expected to accommodate the manufacturing industry, while four are for IT parks and centers.
According to PEZA’s website, there are currently 415 economic zones spread out across the Philippines, 297 of which are for IT parks and centers.
