New Clark City, the country’s next metropolis located in Central Luzon, is becoming a hotspot for European companies keen on operating their business activities there.
According to Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Vivencio Dizon, BCDA is expecting French firm SEMMARIS to complete a feasibility study on putting up an International Food Market inside the New Clark City by the end of the year.
SEMMARIS, operator of Rungis International Market, the biggest market in Paris, has partnered with Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) for the feasibility study of the International Food Market.
“They are doing it right now. Hopefully by end of the year, they have completed the FS (feasibility study), and then we can start developing,” Dizon said.
The BCDA, SEMMARIS, and MPIC signed a memorandum of understanding for the project last year.
BCDA eyes the International Food Market as a facility to link buyers and sellers of food and agricultural products, both from the local and foreign markets, as reported by the Philippine News Agency. The project is also aimed at helping local farmers gain direct market access and earn more income
A German engineering and electronics company expressed interest in putting up a testing facility in New Clark City, as well.
Dizon said they “recently talked with Bosch of Germany. They want to set up a testing facility in Clark.”
He also noted that investment interests among local and foreign companies to locate at New Clark City remain strong.
As soon as Surbana Jurong completed the masterplan for the New Clark City, BCDA will further move forward developments in the new metropolis, according to Dizon.
“We’re holding off until we get the urban design and standards from Surbana Jurong. It’s hard to keep on accepting without the strict guidelines in place,” he said.
