SBMA, Taipei BioInnovation Park partnership eyed

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is looking into entering into a joint venture with the Taipei BioInnovation Park (TBIP).

 

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño was impressed with the TBIP’s biotechnology and biomedical facilities in his recent trip to Taipei, Taiwan.

 

“This visit to the Taipei BioInnovation Park was a truly unique learning experience. We proposed the expansion of SBDMC (Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation, Inc.) business activities in Subic Bay Freeport to include biotechnology and biomedical activities,” said Chairman Aliño.

 

The SBMA chief cited that the proposed expansion project is aligned with the agency’s plans and programs.

 

“The proposed expansion plan should complement our mandate to promote the Subic Special Economic Zone as a self-sustaining, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center and green port city by attracting and promoting productive foreign investments that will generate employment opportunities in and around the zone,” he said.

 

Chairman Aliño was joined by SBMA Directors Ruel John Kabigting and Teodoro Del Rosario, and Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado during his three-day visit to Taiwan, upon the invitation by Century Development Corporation (CDC).

 

The SBMA delegation also went to Pingtung to visit MOS Burger’s newly completed processing plant Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park (PABP). The MOS Burger food processing plant is a joint venture between An-Shin Food Services Co. and MOS Food Services.

 

Located in Taiwan’s Pingtung County, the PABP is the only national agricultural biotechnology park in Taiwan and the only one in the world that has established an agricultural high-tech industrial cluster.

 

The park has more than 110 agricultural enterprises of value-added natural products, aquaculture, livestock biotechnology, agricultural materials and facilities, and technical services.

 

These companies are connected, forming a huge industrial supply chain that creates a strong synergy effect in the global market.

 

According to SBDMC President Willy Wang, the invitation for the site visit was to provide the SBMA with a glimpse of Taiwan’s first BOT development project focusing on biotechnology industry, and to explore joint venture opportunities.

 

He added that the TBIP provides incubation space for emerging biotechnology, leading companies that integrate research and development (R&D), trial production, and business office functions.

 

CDC is a shareholder of the United Development Corporation, a joint venture partner of the SBMA in the SBDMC, Inc., which has pioneered industrial park planning. It is also known for its successful development of the Nankang Software Park, one of the most advanced industrial parks in Taiwan. (MPD-SBMA)

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More Aussie firms eye Subic Freeport as prime investment location

More business missions from the “land down under” are now looking into possible investment opportunities inside this premier Freeport zone. 

This was confirmed when the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines (CCIAP) Inc. visited here last September 20, 2024, as part of the Australia Inbound Mission for possible trade and investment opportunities . 

The CCIAP, led by Leader Founder and President Connie De Cunha, was warmly received by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.

Aliño discussed the diverse capabilities of this ecozone in terms of shipping, tourism, renewable energy and manufacturing. He added that he hopes the CCIAP would encourage more Australian companies to locate here.

SBMA Business and Investment Department for Manufacturing & Maritime Manager Karen Magno delivered a presentation to CCIAP delegates showing the density of Australian companies based inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and the perks they enjoy from settling here.

Australian companies such as DBA Global also shared their experience working inside the freeport zone. DBA Global President Darlow Parazo said that Subic Bay Freeport is one of the fast-growing business hubs in the Philippines.

“With its strategic location and skilled workforce, Subic Bay presents an exceptional environment for businesses eager to expand their operations in Southeast Asia. As one of the leading businesses in the area, DBA Global is committed to driving innovation and fostering growth within this community,” he said.

Subic Bay Taiwan Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFTCC) President Best Chang also shared his experience working inside the SBFZ, citing the numerous perks and benefits of locating here. He added that the companies conduct work efficiently with the assurance of the continued support from the SBMA.

CCIAP President Cunha expressed her gratitude to the SBMA, SBTFCC, and the Australian companies here for showing the delegation how it is to invest inside Subic Bay Freeport. The group also visited other government owned and controlled corporations as part of their mission.

The SBFZ houses numerous Australian-based companies, including brand names such as DBA Global and Dunbrae Subic Inc., which has provided hundreds of job opportunities for Filipino workers here.

Magno said that the top five biggest Australian locators include the steel fabrication company STG Global Corp. that has invested US$3.5-million; air transport company Platinum Skies Aviation Inc. with US$1.4-milllion investment; food processing equipment manufacturer Dunbrae Subic Inc. with US$860,000 investment; furniture manufacturer Beurteaux Subic Inc. with US$630,000 investment; and logistics hub Orica Philippines Inc. with US$610,000 investment.

She added that there are 24 Australian-based companies here with US$11.7-million worth of total investments and 643 employees, and the agency hopes to increase the number of investors from Australia very soon. 

Back in August 2022, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) of Australia/New Zealand, in partnership with the Subic-Clark Alliance Development Council (SCADC) and the Board of Investments (BOI) accompanied Australian businesspersons to visit key viable investment sites in the Central Luzon area including this premier Freeport zone. (30) 

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Hongkong Trade Council visits Subic Bay for fresh investment prospects

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) visited Subic Bay to explore possible trade and investment opportunities  in this premier freeport. 

The HKTDC, thru the efforts of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), was able to discuss business prospects with various Subic Freeport companies and locators that are aligned with their specific industries in Hong Kong.

SBMA Business and Investment Group (BIG) Senior Deputy Administrator Renato Lee III expects that future business partnerships and investments would spur economic growth since Subic Bay Freeport is envisioned as an alternative port for Hong Kong, which would ensure the flow of commerce between the 2 ports. 

“Hong Kong is a powerhouse in the shipping industry and we want a piece of that. With the country’s plan to build a smart port, Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) can provide support if ever a spillover occurs. We want to be part of their plan to become a global shipping center,” Lee said.

Meanwhile, SBMA’s Business and Investment Department (BID) for Manufacturing and Maritime Manager Karen Magno added that the meeting between SBF locators and the HKTDC is an offshoot of the agency’s participation in the Hong Kong Belt and Road Summit last year.

HKTDC is the organizer of the Hong Kong Belt and Road Summit that was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center last September 13, 2023, where some 6,000 government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs and startups from 70 countries and regions exchanged insights on multilateral co-operation, and explored concrete business opportunities.

Magno added that the council also met with the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) at the SBMA Corporate Board Room. The delegation consisted of Deputy Director of Research Louis Chan, Research Economist Henry Cheng, HKTDC Manila Office Marebeth Barros, and Marketing Manager Paolo Carlos, while the SBFCC was led by President Benjamin Antonio III and Vice President Dante Pollescas.

The Hongkong council expressed their interest in studying and marketing the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to the businesses in their home country, while conducting research on manufacturing, import/ export, logistics, energy, port operations, financing, information technology and other possible aspects.

“The council wants to know more about the current economic and industrial development in the Philippines including the latest trends in Filipino trade and investments, the Filipino start-up ecosystem, and the role of Hong Kong as a business and investment platform to help Filipino companies and start-ups to tap into Mainland China and other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) markets,” Chan said.

The official added that the council is also keen about gathering more information on the areas of potential HK-Philippines collaboration and partnership such as: Fintech, health-tech, biotech, cleantech, agritech, foodtech, ESG; services, trade and investments; supply chain recalibration; and Greater Bay Area, RCEP, and the Belt and Road Initiative.

The HKTDC is a statutory body with over 50 offices worldwide and 13 in Mainland China, which was established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade while promoting the city as a two-way global investment and business hub. (MPD-SBMA)

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EU Ambassadors to the Ph explore SBF for trade opportunities and employment generation

Ambassadors of member-states of the European Union recently visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to look into its potential as a growth area for more trade and investments, as well as a prospective site for the creation of future job opportunities for the residents of its neighboring towns and provinces.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman & Administrator Rolen C. Paulino led officials in welcoming the EU Ambassadors to Subic Bay Thursday (February 2) as part of the delegation's official visit to the Philippines.

“As we all are getting out of pandemic restrictions, the SBMA has become eager to fulfill its mandate to attract investments and create employment, and bounce back from the losses we obtained during the pandemic,” Paulino said.

“Knowing that our country has excellent ties with EU member countries, this visit from our European friends is very much a welcome gesture. I am highly confident with my team, and I am proud that I am now part of their team,” he added, encouraging the delegates to make it happen in the Philippines, better yet, make it happen in Subic Bay Freeport.

Back in 2019, the EU became the country’s fourth largest trading partner, while the Philippines was EU’s sixth largest trading partner among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The EU delegation headed by HE Luc Véron came in Subic from Clark. A working lunch ensued while the SBMA team gives a briefing on the business climate in Subic Bay Freeport as a strategic location, its milestones, as well as its future plans.

Ambassador Véron has served as EU career official for over 30 years, joining the European Commission since 1989. During his stint in the Union, he witnessed its growth from 12 members to now 27 nations.

The delegation was also given a guided tour of the viable locations for various types of businesses, including a tour of the former Hanjin facility where Agila Subic will rise.

Meanwhile, in August 2022, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega brought Australian business owners to Subic for the same purpose and to be apprised with experiences from current businessmen who have located here. (SNL/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic spurs investor interests in Dubai trade mission

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has successfully pushed the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as a sustainable and competitive business and industrial center in the Philippines during a recent trade mission in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As a result, Subic has sparked strong investor interest in the fields of cargo logistics, renewable energy, aviation, vaccine manufacturing, and compliance solutions during business meetings held in the emirate city of Dubai on February 9 to 14, said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma in a report to President Duterte.

Among the groups that Eisma discussed business potentials in Subic with are the Abu Dhabi Ports, a logistics operator and manager of industrial zones and ports in the UAE, and the Philippine Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates, which promotes cooperation among business communities in Dubai, the Northern Emirates and the Philippines.

Eisma also offered the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) as an alternative hub for the UAE flag-carrier Emirates during a meeting with Orhan Abbas, the firm’s senior vice president for the Far East. “This might increase the number of commercial flights from Dubai to the Philippines and from the Philippines to Dubai,” she added.

During the Dubai sojourn, Eisma likewise attended the Philippine Country Business Briefing headed by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Feb. 11, and participated the following day in the Philippine National Day, which was attended by thousands of Filipinos in Dubai.

“We have high hopes that Subic got the attention of major industry members in the UAE, especially with the endorsement we received from the Philippine Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates,” Eisma said on Tuesday.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao, who joined Eisma in Dubai, said the Subic team briefed businessmen and venture capitalists on trade opportunities in Subic during the weeklong mission and promoted it as a premier investment destination in the Southeast Asian Region.

On Feb. 9, Eisma’s team had a productive meeting with Suchit Kapoor, business director of the Abu Dhabi Ports Company, and Dogus Durhan, business manager of the Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and discussed cargo expansion, integrated technology, and a business model design through partnership.

Next, Eisma met with Jon Salazar, founder and president of Gazelle Wind Power, a Dublin-based producer of hybrid floating offshore wind platform, for a possible project to drive Subic’s renewable energy program.

Eisma then went on to talk with Stephan Thomas, senior director and CFO of Group 42 (G42), an artificial intelligence and cloud computing company with interests in healthcare, finance, oil and gas, aviation, and hospitality. G42 was looking for partners for a joint venture to manufacture and distribute Covid-19 vaccines in the Philippine and the Southeast Asian region.

Following that, the SBMA team met with Angeline Rivera, sales and marketing manager of Prime Group, a leading quality and compliance solutions provider in Asia, Middle East and Africa. Rivera said their company is considering Subic for its expansion program.

Lastly, Eisma coordinated promotion of the Subic Bay Freeport in the UAE with Prof. Gau G. Raganit, chairman of the Philippine Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates, which promotes trade among business communities in Dubai, the Northern Emirates and the Philippines. (MPD-SBMA)

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