Clark Development Corp. (CDC) president and chief executive Agnes Devanadera said the country’s top Freeport focused on encouraging existing locators to expand their investments instead of touring the world to attract new investments.
“We did not go on road shows abroad. We did not aim for entirely new investors. Instead, the strategy adopted was to focus on existing locators. It is easier to attract them if they have had positive experiences with Clark, and indeed, many have expanded,” Devanadera said at a recent Rotary Club meeting in Manila.
She told the group that Clark Freeport Zone was keen on welcoming investment opportunities given its economic potential and growing significance in the region.
Devanadera emphasized a shift from regulators to enablers within the regulatory framework.
“With all these developments from a regulator, we have decided that there should be a mind shift. From regulators, we should be enablers. We ensure that regulations are friendly, aiming to keep people, things, and processes in order,” she said.
CDC and the Freeport are moving forward on inclusive growth, Devanadera said.
“As we earn and as our locators prosper, our advocacy is to achieve inclusive growth. Therefore, one of our key focuses this year is the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs of our locators and Clark itself,” she said.
The Rotary Club of Manila provided a platform for Devanadera to share insights on CDC’s vision and contribute to discussions on promoting sustainable growth.