CLARK FREEPORT”•Despite some irritations in the relationship between the Philippines and the European Union, their trade and investment partnerships remain encouraging after 33 European consuls visited the Freeport over the weekend.
Accompanied by Philippine Consul to Guam Edgar Tomas “Gary”Auxilian, the Europeans said they will encourage their businessmen to invest in the country, one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia Pacific.
The visiting consuls were received by Clark Development Corp. president and CEO Noel Manankil and Chairman Jose “Ping” de Jesus.
The consuls represented Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Bulgaria, Serbia, Russia, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Albania, Slovak Republic, Austria, and Croatia.
According to Auxilian, the growth and business development in the Freeport had encouraged the EU consuls to invite businessmen in their respective countries to invest in Clark, specially in leisure, manufacturing and aviation industry.
During their actual visit with the 954 investors and locators operating inside the former American air force base, the consuls were impressed with the freeport zone, specially the quality of workers, the incentives and other perks enjoyed by the businessmen.
The visitors were also briefed on the rentals, trade and investment opportunities, and major programs of the Freeport and Clark Special Economic Zone as a world-class mecca for business.
The visit of the consuls was organised by CDC with the support of its mother company Bases Conversion Development Authority and its sister company Clark International Airport Authority.
Earlier, trade attaches of the Department of Trade and Industry based in the Middle East and Asia received positive feedback from the businessmen there after they were briefed on the potentials and the ongoing development in Clark.
The Middle East businessmen want to join in construction projects going on in the New Clark City, the DTI said.