MAKATI CITY—During the Second Subic/Clark Business Conference (SCBC): “What’s Next for Subic/Clark?” held on 28 February 2023 at Dusit Thani Manila, Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual emphasized the geographical role and strength of each region, particularly of Central Luzon in attaining the government’s goal of solid economic recovery post-pandemic.
The SCBC event aims to showcase investment opportunities, discover the insights of local businesses, and analyze trends in the Subic/Clark area. It is envisioned to connect companies in the region that venture into creative industries, advanced technology and innovation, sustainable business practices, real estate, infrastructure, aerospace, renewable energy, and manufacturing industries, among others, to other parts of the world as a potential investment area for global corporations and investors.
In his message, Secretary Pascual recognized the importance of Central Luzon as a strategic business location and its contributions to the Philippine economy, especially in attaining a robust economic growth. He likewise reiterated that the Department of Trade and Industry is committed to promote an enabling business environment for potential investors in Subic, Clark, and other strategic areas. With the support of partner government units and agencies, DTI envisions Central Luzon as the industrial heartland of the Philippines and the Asia Pacific.
In line with the issuance of Executive Order No. 18, which mandates the establishment of Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, Secretary Pascual also said that, “DTI, with the support of the Philippine government, is also enabling cross-cutting mechanisms to ease investments. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. just signed an Executive Order that mandates the establishment of Green Lanes for strategic investments. This will fast-track the processing of permits and licenses and offer the Board of Investments as a single point of entry for strategic investments. We encourage you to consider the opportunities this mechanism will offer.”
Further, he tackled DTI’s drive towards industrialization, its priority industry clusters, the aim to develop our country’s local industries, and the contributions of MSMEs in pursuit of regional development. He also mentioned that DTI has expanded the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program into a regional scope.
“We are partnering with research institutions in innovating OTOP. There are already OTOP Hubs in some of our provinces, particularly Aurora, Tarlac, Bulacan, Zambales, and Pampanga. The OTOP Showroom in DTI’s Regional Office III exhibits products made with the ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness of MSMEs in the region”, added Secretary Pascual.
In closing, Secretary Pascual said that the DTI is keen to pursue regional development, moving from cities, provinces, and towns to ensure that no one is left behind. The DTI is committed to bring in more investments that will also benefit regions and provinces in the country.*
Date of release: 28 February 2023