More potential business opportunities in Subic Freeport after US trade mission

A United States delegation is eyeing more potential business opportunities here as part of a profile business mission in line with the initiatives of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC). 

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the delegates from the U.S. Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast regions visited on July 8, 2026 to participate in the said business mission that will strengthen partnerships, expand business opportunities, and foster a prosperous future for both U.S. and Philippine enterprises.

With the theme “Driving the Future of U.S.–Philippine Trade Through Innovation,” Aliño said that the mission reflects the SBMA's commitment to enhancing international cooperation and economic growth within the Subic special economic zone.

The delegation, composed of 25 executives and investors, conducted comprehensive discussions, site visits, and networking activities with SBMA officials and Subic company officials, all designed to showcase the potential and advantages of investing in the SBFZ. 

Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) President Benjamin Antonio III, together with SBFCC Executive Director Donna May Tamayo also joined to take part in a rare opportunity to build strong, lasting business relationships that will drive economy not only in the Subic special economic zone but ultimately the country as a whole.

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in New York, the facilitator of the said U.S. Business Mission to the Philippines, said that the main goal of the trip is to create stronger economic ties and encourage more US companies to invest in the country’s growing economy.

Aside from Subic Bay Freeport, the delegation also visited areas in Manila, Clark, and Corregidor Island to conduct business meetings, informational briefings, and tours of these major economic areas that are part of the LEC.

“The trip comes at a time when the Philippines is actively working to welcome international businesses and establish itself as a key partner for US companies looking to grow in Asia,” the PTIC said.

Officials from Worldwide Shipping & Logistics (WSL), who were also part of the delegation, said that these engagements strengthened economic cooperation and opened new opportunities for trade and investment between the United States and the Philippines.

WSL Co-Founder Mrs. Richelyn Toth and General Manager Ms. Sherilyn Mecinas were among the 25 delegates who participated in high-level meetings, investment discussions, site visits, and strategic networking opportunities with leaders from government, industry, and the private sector. 

The said business mission follows the Philippines’ inclusion in the Washington-backed Pax Silica bloc — an initiative aimed at securing global artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains.

As part of Pax Silica, the Philippines and the US announced in April, plans to develop a 1,618-hectare AI-native hub in New Clark City in Tarlac, which is expected to attract investment in AI and chip manufacturing. (MPD-SBMA) 

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US Embassy economic delegation eyes stronger partnership with Subic Bay Freeport

The United States Embassy delegation for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Steering Committee visited the Subic Bay Freeport on May 13, 2026, signaling stronger economic cooperation and expanded investment opportunities in the country.

Leading the delegation was Heather Variava, Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs and Head of Delegation for the committee, together with representatives from the US economic team. The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen US-Philippines economic relations through close coordination with government officials and business leaders.

The delegation met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño to discuss economic growth initiatives under the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The LEC is a multi-billion-dollar economic partnership aimed at enhancing infrastructure, logistics, and supply-chain connectivity among the country’s major economic hubs — Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

Aliño said the initiative, originally launched as a trilateral partnership among the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, has now expanded to include Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

“This ambitious venture will strengthen infrastructure, supply chains, and green energy across Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas,” Aliño said.

“It is most timely that Her Excellency Heather Variava and her delegation visit us now, as the Luzon Economic Corridor gains momentum through international partnerships and expanded economic engagement,” he added.

According to Aliño, upcoming projects involving railway connectivity, port modernization, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains are expected to further solidify Subic Bay’s role as a premier logistics and manufacturing hub in the region.

The initiative was initially launched in April 2024 under the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), with the Philippines, the United States, and Japan serving as founding partners. Since then, the program has evolved into a broader 10-nation coalition supporting sustainable and strategic infrastructure development in the country.

The ambassador’s visit also forms part of efforts to coordinate strategic infrastructure and investment programs with the Philippine government and the private sector, while promoting reforms aimed at streamlining regulations and improving investor confidence.

Variava is currently leading efforts to advance economic growth initiatives under the Luzon Economic Corridor by promoting sustainable and transparent infrastructure partnerships in the region. (SNL)

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SBMA, Belgium eye sister port pact

A sister port agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is being considered during the visit of delegates from the Embassy of Belgium to the Philippines here on March 16, 2026.

Belgian Ambassador Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova paid a visit along with officials from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI), the consultancy and investment subsidiary of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

During their visit, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) team, led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, proposed a Sister Port Agreement between the two ports to enhance the traditional friendship between the SBMA and the PoABI.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the largest petrochemical cluster in Europe and the second-largest in the world; it is also the largest car-handling port in Europe, handling more than 3 million cars per year. It has two oil refineries and is a frontrunner in the energy transition.

The port is also a driver of economic growth with 4.5% GDP contribution and a total annual throughput of +370 million tonnes, including +13 million TEUs.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport has several locators with European Equity, including Agila NY Naval Inc. and Agila South Inc. from the Netherlands, with a combined investment commitment of US$350 million.

Other notable companies inside the Freeport with EU Equities include PMNFTC Inc. from Switzerland with US$7M committed investment; Luxury Subic Home Development Corp. from Belarus with US$1M committed investment; and Schenker Philippines Inc. from Germany with US$0.9M committed investment. (MPD-SBMA)

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Arizona State Legislature visits Subic Bay Freeport for potential partnership

The Arizona State Legislature recently visited this premier Freeport, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the Philippines and the Philippine-US relations, while eyeing potential economic partnerships with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

“The visit is a testament to the strong relationship between the Philippines and the United States,” said SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Business and Investment Renato Lee III as he welcomed the US delegation.

During the visit on October 23, Arizona State Representative Tony Rivero shared that the chairman of the International Relations Committee for Arizona initiated the visit after a meeting with the Philippine ambassador in Washington in 2017, as Arizona is currently exploring economic development opportunities. 

“We want to establish a trade office to facilitate business investments between Arizona and the Philippines. This is a historical moment due to shared history and potential future collaborations in international trade,” cited Representative Rivero.

Rivero emphasized the importance of building a workforce and educational ties to drive future growth, highlighting the strategic importance of the Philippines in a challenging regional context.

He said that the visit is part of a broader effort to revolutionize Arizona's international relations and economic partnerships, adding that he is impressed with the innovation and potential for tangible outcomes from the discussions in the Philippines.

The delegation also discussed mounting concerns in maritime regional security with the Philippine Coast Guard. 

The visit aims to strengthen the relationship between Arizona and the Philippines, with a focus on economic and educational collaborations. Arizona representatives from both the Republican and Democratic parties are united in extending partnership opportunities.

The Arizona delegation included Committee of Science and Technology Rep. Justin Wilmeth; Democrat from District 11 Rep. Junelle Cavero; Democrat from District 22 Rep Elda Luna-Najera; and Democrat from District 24 Rep. Lydia Hernandez; Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR) Operations Manager Maria Monserrat Apud; Department of Foreign Affairs Principal Assistant at the Office of American Affairs Miguel Antonio Gonzales; and other officials of the Arizona State Legislature.

Third District of Bataan Representative Maria Angela “Gila” Garcia joined the delegation during their visit to Subic Bay Freeport to showcase the many ecozones in Central Luzon, which may be explored by the Arizona State Legislature, including the Freeport Area of Bataan.

After the visit, the delegation toured the various facilities in the Freeport, reaching up to the Redondo Peninsula where Agila Subic is located. The group was impressed of how business and environment seamlessly coexist without compromising one another. (MPD-SBMA)   

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Spanish Ambassador sees investment prospects in Subic Freeport

The Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines, His Excellency Miguel Ultray Delgado visited this premier Freeport and explored opportunities for more Spanish companies to invest here. 

 

During his visit to Subic Bay Freeport on May 22, 2025, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials, led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño welcomed Ambassador Delgado at the administration building.

 

The delegation included the Embassy’s Trade and Economic Counsellor Silvia Torices de la Varga, Market Analyst Jose Primo Santos Mendoza, Economic and Commercial Attache Pedro González Lendínez, and Metalyset CEO Jose Moreno Sanchez Perez. 

 

“Subic Bay stands now as a beacon of economic potential, and if it can sustain this progress, it can become a premier logistics and trade hub in Southeast Asia,” Delgado said. 

 

Delgado added that as proof of its progress, Subic Bay Freeport was named among the best Economic Zones in the world in the White Paper study that the Spanish company IDOM is preparing, together with FEMOZA (World Free and Special Economic Zones Federation).

 

According to Delgado, their visit came at a perfect time as the Spanish government takes an interest in Subic, with several Spanish firms from different sectors. “We have brought here the best possible example with Metalyset, and we expect to bring more in the following years,” he added.

 

Metalyset is an international technical and industrial services company founded in 2008 in Spain by professionals with extensive experience in the metalworking industry. The company has been continuously expanding and growing, developing increasingly large-scale projects until its international expansion in 2015. 

 

Meanwhile, Chairman Aliño said that the visit is a testament to the strong ties between the Philippines and Spain, as one of the most historic sites in the Subic Bay Freeport is the Spanish Gate, the original gate of Subic.

 

Also present during the delegation’s visit is Xantheng Subic International Corporation Assistant to the CEO, Best Chang, who provided a glimpse of the various Taiwanese investments in Subic Freeport, including the Tipo High-tech Eco Park (THEP) and the Subic Bay Gateway Park (SBGP).

 

Chairman Aliño thanked the Spanish government for its unwavering support in helping develop the Philippines into an economic powerhouse in renewable energy, sustainable tourism, and maritime education.

 

Ambassador Delgado said, “By leveraging our shared history and mutual aspirations, we can foster a future that embraces innovation and inclusivity. Subic Bay, with its storied past and promising future, stands as a symbol of our enduring friendship and shared commitment to progress.” (MPD-SBMA)

 

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SBMA, Port of San Diego eye partnership to make Subic Freeport into a smart port city

With its vision to transform this premier Freeport into a smart port city, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is considering a partnership with the Port of San Diego.

During their visit here on February 6, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Port of San Diego officials agreed to discover and identify areas of collaboration between both ports.

“We offered to the Port of San Diego to explore areas in Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Break Bulk Cargo Handling and Management, Shore Power Connection, Cruise Ship Terminal and Market Development and Ship Repair,” SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said.

He added that the officials of the San Diego Port extended the invitation to Chairman Aliño to visit the Port of San Diego and explore other port-related initiatives since both ports proclaimed a partnership as sister ports in 2018.

“We see the potential of Subic Bay Freeport in developing trade and commerce between our two ports,” Port of San Diego Commissioner Gil Anthony Ungab said expressing his desire to further explore opportunities that will benefit both ports.  

Also, Port of San Diego Director for Maritime Joel Valenzuela said there are many similarities between the Ports of San Diego and Subic Bay; and that they are excited to strengthen and continue to develop our partnership in maritime and other related industries.

Meanwhile, Chairman Aliño said that the SBMA welcomes the partnership between the two ports as the vision to develop concrete projects will be mutually beneficial to both ports.

According to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Port of San Diego is one of America's top 30 containership ports, bringing in nearly 3 million metric tons (3,000,000 long tons; 3,300,000 short tons) of cargo per year through the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal and the National City Marine Terminal.

Aliño said that the proposed partnership is in line with the SBMA’s vision of becoming a port city and that the partnership with the Port of San Diego is a vital step in advancing Subic Bay Freeport’s interests in maritime project development, automation, cruise terminal development and operations, artificial intelligence, and trade development.

SDA Yambao said, “This is a positive step in expanding the global reach and trade network of the Port of Subic Bay in the United States.”

The SBMA also has a sister-port agreement with the Virginia Port Authority to develop trade and exchange best practices in breakbulk and cruise ship logistics management and operations. (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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Increased cargo volume seen as Philippine, Japan gov’ts mull Manila-Subic-Osaka shipping route

Increased trade and cargo volume is seen as the Philippine and Japan governments mull a Manila-Subic-Osaka route for major shipping lines.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the Port of Osaka and the agency are exploring cooperation possibilities in port-related business while tapping the potential of both ports in initiating cargo traffic between the Port of Osaka and the Port of Subic Bay.

“The Philippines is among the world’s fastest-growing economies with an average annual growth rate of six to seven percent per year. After diving into a slump in the growth of its Gross Domestic Product in 2022 due to Covid, we can now hope, dream, and expect to marvel at a new dawn, and proudly become an indispensable and crucial part in the financial and industrial development of international trade,” Aliño said during the Osaka Ports & Harbors Bureau Mission to the Philippines.  

Aliño added that the two ports are now pursuing to develop a Manila-Subic-Osaka route with major shipping lines to increase trade and cargo volume between the Philippines and Japan, one of the country’s top trading partners.

Osaka Ports and Harbors Bureau Director General Maruyama Junya cited that the visit to Subic Bay Freeport is an opportunity to share information on port development, port management, and logistics, and to promote mutual exchanges.

“Osaka Port has developed as an international trade port with industrial and financial development in the Kansai area. We are working actively on further development through improving port facilities and carrying out port sales,” Junya said.

“In 2023, we have decided to focus on the Philippines, one of the Southeast Asian countries that has been developing remarkably against a backdrop of high economic growth in recent years, and organized a port sales team with Kobe-Osaka International Port Corporation and other transport companies,” he added.

He also stated that during the Philippine Investment Forum 2023 last November, a lecture and interview with Business and Investment Department for Manufacturing and Maritime manager Karen Magno “triggered our great interest in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.”

Chairman Aliño, Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) Ronnie Yambao, SDA Renato Lee III, Maritime Business Manager Karen Magno, and Seaport Department Officer-in-Charge Michael Lazaro provided an extensive briefing during the visit on Thursday.

“In 2023, our cargo volume has reached to 6.4 million metric tons with lumber, tires and motor vehicles as the top commodities handled at the Port of Subic Bay, both for import and export,” Yambao said. 

“By expanding our network and developing this new shipping route, we are also providing more economic opportunities that will increase our trade and cargo volume between our ports,” he added. 

The port administrators and related parties from Osaka include Osaka Ports and Harbors Bureau Director Takahashi Hiroshi, Promotion Department Section Chief Shiba Toshihiro, Kobe-Osaka International Port Corporation President Kido Takafumi, Osaka Area Chief Facility Section Tsuji Genta, and Osaka Port Corporation Assistant Manager Yamada Akiko.

Also part of the delegation are port and harbor transportation business operators such as: Sumitomo Warehouse Co. Marine Osaka Branch Manager Machida Ryota; Tatsumi Shokai Co., Ltd. General Manager Teramoto Teruya, Chief Asai Kei; Nissin Corporation Hanshin Marine Department Deputy General Manager Imoto Masaya, and Deputy General Manager Mori Makata; Konoike Transport Co., Ltd. General Manager Kanda Shigeru; Sankyu Inc. Osaka Branch General Manager Tamura Kei; Shosen Koun Co., Ltd. Group Leader Okumura Kazunari; Nippon Express Co., Ltd. Osaka International Transport Branch Nanko International Office General Manager Hiraoka Motonobu; and Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation Osaka Branch Deputy General Manager Shinichiro Nakajima. (MPD-SBMA) 

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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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More Taiwanese businessmen visit Subic Freeport for investment prospects

Another batch of Taiwanese businessmen visited to look into investment and business prospects inside this premier Freeport on Thursday.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan who welcomed the team, the facility visit is part of the Integrated Investment Campaign: New Southbound Philippines-Taiwan Delegation in the Philippines. 

The said campaign is aimed at providing foreign investors an insight about the business climate in the Freeport and entice them to invest here. 

During the investment briefing held at the SBMA boardroom, Tan disclosed to the nine-man delegation of businessmen that the administration’s new approach in enticing investments here is called the JDT method which stands for Jobs, Development and Tourism. 

Using the Chairman’s initials, the JDT method focuses on increasing job opportunities for Filipino workers, Development of the Subic Bay Freeport, and Tourism boom for all tourist spots here.

“J for jobs, create more jobs for the people; D for development, encourage more investors in making the Freeport a competitive business hub; and T for tourism, make your stay at the Freeport relaxing while doing business,” Tan said.

Business and Investment Department for Manufacturing and Maritime (BID-MM) Manager Karen Magno gave an investment briefing to the group regarding the various business activities inside the Freeport Zone. 

She also highlighted the ease of doing business in the Freeport as the SBMA very well provides assistance for companies locating here.

Xantheng Subic International Corporation Assistant to the CEO Best Chang also presented the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP) located at the Tipo Gate area. THEP is a rising industrial park that can cater from small to heavy industry businesses.

The Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation (SBDMC) Inc. Investment Services Department Manager Julie Tan also gave a briefing on the Subic Bay Gateway Park (SBGP), citing that the area has been one of the first industrial parks for Taiwanese companies in Subic.

Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Taipei Director for Commercial Affairs and Head of Delegation Anthony B. Rivera expressed his gratitude to Chairman Tan, citing that the Subic Bay Freeport is certainly a conducive area for Taiwanese businesses to prosper.

The official also thanked the SBMA for the presentation, facility visit and for arranging the meetings with other locators inside the Freeport, citing that the information provided will certainly be useful for companies looking into investing in Subic.

Deputy Administrator for Business Group Atty. John Aquino also conveyed his gratitude to the delegation, citing that their interest in investing in Subic Freeport would also mean the possibility of investing here. He added that by giving them a look into this premier Freeport, the delegation would also pique the interest of other Taiwanese companies as well. 

The business mission, which is an offshoot of the Integrated Investment Promotion Campaign in Taiwan back in October 2022, was made thru the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) of Taipei. (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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Paulino cites pivotal role of Subic Bay in US-Phils friendship during Ambassador Carlson’s visit

The former United States Naval Base plays a pivotal role in the relationship between the Philippines and the US, such that a rich cultural history between the two countries is deeply ingrained in Subic Bay Freeport. 

This was the statement made by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino during US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson’s visit to the Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) on Wednesday, November 9.  The SBMA chief accommodated Carlson during her visit to the SBF for an ocular inspection of the area.

Carlson cited that Subic Bay, being once a former US naval base, is a sterling testament of the long history of partnership between the United States and the Philippines. 

The US official also added that the SBF has been a favorite go-to area for US retirees, with many expats spending the rest of their lives here.

Paulino said that the Subic Special Economic Zone is a viable option in case the United States is currently eyeing to relocate some of its companies to the Philippines, due to the freeport's logistical advantage and hardworking people.

He further disclosed that there are almost 170,000 employees working in various companies inside the SBF, adding that there are 47 American locators that have chosen to build their equities here.  This is mostly due to English-speaking employees accounting for ease of communication, resulting in a better, more efficient, and effective workforce, and higher productivity. (MPD-SBMA)

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US-based Cerberus acquires Hanjin shipyard in Subic Bay

United States-based private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management has completed its takeover of the shipyard previously run by Hanjin Philippines in Subic Bay with the recent conclusion of agreements on the facility, government officials confirmed.

"The completion of the Subic Bay shipyard will redound to benefits for the country, bring jobs to the local communities, increase economic activity, and at the same fortify our strategic security measure," Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez was quoted as saying in a press release early Friday morning.

Manila's embassy in Washington said Romualdez made the remarks during a diplomatic reception on Apr. 19. The envoy also expressed his appreciation to officials of both countries along with executives of Cerberus for their efforts, which led to the conclusion of the deals.

"Great to see the completion of the acquisition of Hanjin shipyard in Subic Bay by a U.S.-based firm. An important example of U.S.-Philippine public-private partnership," Ely Ratner, U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, tweeted on Thursday.

Cerberus co-founder and co-chief executive officer Steve Feinberg also recognized the support offered by both the Philippine and American governments in ensuring the agreements' completion, said the embassy.

"Working with the United States on this project will help ensure that we are able to protect our interests not only for our country but the whole region," Romualdez said.

The facility at the former giant U.S. naval base has caught the attention of Chinese investors given its strategic location near the West Philippine Sea.

Details of the purchase, including the price, were not disclosed. Reuters reported last month that Cerberus was buying the debt-laden shipyard for $300 million.

Foreign Affairs chief Teddyboy Locsin called the transaction the "biggest public-private partnership in the 75-year history of Philippine-US relations." (CNN Philippines)

Source: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/4/22/Cerberus-conclusion-agreements-Hanjin-shipyard-Subic-Bay.html 

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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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