New Clark City pitched to British firms

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has pitched the New Clark City in Tarlac to potential investors from the United Kingdom, citing the budding metropolis as an attractive investment hub in close proximity to the central and northern parts of Luzon.

The BCDA said it recently conducted an investment briefing supported by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at the Regent’s University in London. This was to showcase the potential of the 9,450-hectare development.

“I am proud to present New Clark City, BCDA’s next frontier of development, as it is expected to catalyze inclusive and sustainable growth in Central and Northern Luzon in the Philippines,” BCDA president and chief executive officer Aileen Zosa said.

“We invite UK investors to look at the investment opportunities in New Clark City and be part of this development,” she added.

The BCDA presented the project to about 60 British investors involved in various industries considered by the Philippine government as priority sectors, including information and communications technology, hospitality, transportation, as well as research and development.

Many firsts

For her part, Laure Beaufils, UK Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau, also promoted New Clark City to British investors, expressing excitement likewise for their participation in assessing opportunities at the metropolis touted as having sustainable features and integrated development.

“As the country’s first smart, resilient and green metropolis, New Clark City offers a unique opportunity for the UK to work with the government of the Philippines in boosting investment and driving local growth that opens up transparent, competitive opportunities for international business, including British business,” said Beaufils.

The BCDA has been actively promoting New Clark City to foreign investors this year. Prior to this one, the most recent roadshow happened in September, when the BCDA toured over 50 delegates from Australia and New Zealand to the city, promoting it as a smart, green, and resilient metropolis.

About 70 percent of New Clark City is being preserved for green and eco-tourism ventures, with the remaining 30 percent is categorized as buildable land, according to the BCDA.

A business delegation from Central Luzon also held an outbound business mission in South Korea earlier this month to introduce Region 3, including New Clark City, as an ideal destination for investment.

BCDA vice president for public affairs Leilani Macasaet told Korean investors to consider locating in New Clark City or participating in future projects and developments in the area. INQ