Manila: Investments approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reached PHP151.90 billion from January to July, marking a 16 percent increase compared to the PHP90.96 billion recorded in the same period last year.
According to Philippines News Agency, PEZA data released Friday revealed that the approvals encompassed 174 new and expansion projects, with 25 categorized as big-ticket projects amounting to PHP131.66 billion. These initiatives are projected to generate USD5.90 billion in exports, almost tripling the USD2 billion noted in the same time frame last year.
The breakdown of the projects indicates that 75 are dedicated to manufacturing, 28 to information technology - business process management (IT-BPM), 26 focus on economic zone development, 15 on facilities, 13 on logistics, 10 target the domestic market, and two on utilities. Geographically, 141 of these projects are situated in Luzon, followed by 22 in the Visayas, and 11 in Mindanao. The primary investors in these projects hail from the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Germany.
PEZA's news release highlighted that these projects are expected to create roughly 26,047 direct jobs. Director General Tereso Panga emphasized that the investment applications and approvals up to July reflect strong investor confidence in the Philippines. He noted that the investments are notably export-oriented, technology-driven, and aligned with the nation's long-term industrial development goals. Such investments are anticipated to generate quality jobs, bolster the export sector, and enhance the Philippines' role in global value chains.
The release attributed the robust growth in investments to an improving investment climate, bolstered by the implementation of the CREATE MORE Act and the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) 2025-2028. Additionally, PEZA's ongoing investment promotion efforts across Asia, Europe, and North America have played a pivotal role. Recent investment missions abroad have also resulted in concrete project registrations, promising benefits in employment, export growth, and increased production capacity.
Panga pointed out that despite global trade headwinds and geopolitical challenges, the positive results for the first seven months reflect the stronger investment pipeline developed in collaboration with the Philippine economic team and private sector partners. As global companies diversify operations and strengthen supply chain resilience, PEZA is strategically positioned to convert these opportunities into new investments, quality jobs, higher exports, and sustained industrial growth for the nation. The agency remains dedicated to its 'No Red Tape, Only Red Carpet' approach, aligning with the administration's broader economic objectives.
