Apeco in talks with Czech firms for defense industry hub

Photo from Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (APECO)/Facebook

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) on Thursday said it is working with Czech firms to explore areas of cooperation in its push to become the country’s first national defense hub.

In a statement, APECO said it had consecutive meetings with the business sector in Prague and Brno on November 25 to 28 last year following the visit of President Marcos months earlier.

“APECO’s current direction not only strengthens the Philippines’ defense capabilities but also contributes to a more secure and prosperous future for the region,” said APECO president and Chief Executive Officer Gil Taway IV.

“It is about time we work together in developing the country’s national defense capability against threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity, to resist those who skirt the norms of international order by throwing around their military weight,” he said further.

Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic Eduardo Meñez, expressed full support for APECO’s push to transform its 3,000-hectare economic hub in the province of Aurora.

“APECO’s initiative is a crucial step toward strengthening our nation’s defense capabilities, in ensuring the security of our people,” said Meñez, as cited by APECO.

APECO said that it is strategically positioned to host various defense and defense-related industries while allowing them to engage in export activities due to its proximity to major shipping routes in the Pacific.

It added that its potential to host defense installations, logistics, and manufacturing facilities, as well as military training and exercises, makes it a key component in the country’s broader defense strategy.

Aside from tapping Czech firms, APECO said it is also expanding its reach to non-traditional European markets to spur new investment opportunities.