BCDA urges UAE firms: Invest in New Clark City

CLARK FREEPORT – The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) encouraged locators and investors at the ongoing World Expo 2020 in Dubai to look at the viability and advantages of setting up shop at the New Clark City for Philippine operations, especially in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

The BCDA sent a contingent of business development and marketing executives to Dubai this month to urge potential foreign locators and investors, during business-to-business meetings, to consider New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac as their next investment destination.

The BCDA joined other Philippine government agencies in the United Arab Emirates from February 9 to February 13 to participate in various activities as part of the Philippines National Day celebration at the ongoing expo.

“Overall, the BCDA’s visit to Dubai was a productive one as we were able to engage investors and showcase New Clark City as an attractive business hub. Business events which allow us to come face-to-face with key market investors do not come very often during the pandemic. However, when we were invited to join the Philippine delegation to the Expo 2020 Dubai, we felt that it was an excellent opportunity to directly promote New Clark City as the country’s next smart, sustainable and inclusive metropolis,” said Atty. Aristotle B. Batuhan, BCDA Officer-in-Charge President and CEO.

Dubbed as a centerpiece of the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build program, New Clark City is being positioned as an alternative government center and investment hub outside of Metro Manila. This master-planned development is designed to be a disaster-resilient and crisis-responsive metropolis that highlights a balance of innovation and sustainability.

Aside from meeting with investors, the event also allowed the BCDA to strengthen its connection with the Filipino business community in Dubai and other government agencies, such as the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Dubai, to promote investment opportunities offered by the BCDA.

The event also served as a platform for BCDA officials to learn more about Dubai’s success story and best practices when it comes to infrastructure development and urban planning.

BCDA Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Arrey Perez, who led the BCDA delegation, said several companies expressed interest in pursuing further discussions to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines.

“These are still subject to further exploratory talks. They might be interested to partner with us or a private company,” he said.

With the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, World Expo 2020 hosted by Dubai opened on October 1, 2021 and will close on March 31, 2022. This international exhibition aims to showcase 192 participating nations’ products and innovations, and at the same time inspire collective action to address pressing issues affecting the globe.

Other Philippine officials present for the Philippines National Day celebration of the expo included Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Agriculture Secretary William Dar, Acting Public Works and Highways Secretary Roger Mercado, and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who updated potential investors about the Philippine economy during the Country Business Briefing on Friday, February 11.

The Philippines National Day celebration was also highlighted by a showcase of Filipino talent as well as cultural and culinary exhibitions.

The next World Expo will be held in Osaka, Japan from April 13 to October 13, 2025 under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”