As a result of the recent investment promotion visit of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority in Japan headed by its OIC director general Tereso Panga, big-ticket projects are likely to rise in the ecozones, involving investments in the industries of biotechnology and anaerobic/waste-to-energy water treatment.

During the PEZA Media Day last Monday night, PEZA OIC deputy general for operations Vivian Santos announced that the PEZA team met with Junca Holdings to discuss their upcoming biotechnology activity to be registered with PEZA.

Likewise, she said partner companies of Junca Holdings, such as Synergy and Global Network Japan, are also exploring the possibility of putting up a tourism economic zone and an anaerobic/waste-to-energy water treatment plant in the Philippines through PEZA.

"Shibutani Shoten Corporation, a manufacturer of car seats, armrests, and headrest covers for huge car companies such as Mitsubishi and Mazda, met with PEZA to discuss its plans of putting up a company in the Philippines to support its employment and training program for Filipino workers and expand its brand to the international market," according to Santos.

For his part, PEZA-OIC deputy director general for Administration and Finance, Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, disclosed that some Japanese companies are also considering the Philippines for their expansion, including the Marukame Trading Co., Ltd. and VALTES Co., Ltd. that are looking at employing additional 100 staffing for its operations in the Mactan Economic Zone and Trafalgar Plaza Building, Makati, respectively.

Also, he said Nakashima Propeller Co., Ltd., a global industry leader in the manufacture of marine equipment such as sea vessel propellers, rudders, and shafts, is looking forward to bringing in new technology and incorporating innovation into its plants worldwide, particularly in its facility in the Cavite Economic Zone.

"Inabata Philippines Inc., a leading ecozone logistics provider, is looking to expand its warehouse footprint in the next two years to cater to its client ecozone locators nationwide. While Showa CREATE Cebu Inc., a PEZA -registered export manufacturing enterprise in Mactan Economic Zone, is also scouting a separate location in the CALABARZON area for the expansion project of its operations in the Philippines," according to Guiapal.

PEZA performance
Guiapal also told reporters that as of November 2022, a total of P57.048 billion worth of investments was recorded in the ecozones of its 181 new approved projects.

The earnings fell by 11.50 percent, or from P64.463, and also down to 20.96 percent from 229 approved projects in November 2021.