MANILA — European companies are keen on operating their business activities in New Clark City, the country’s next metropolis located in Central Luzon, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Vivencio Dizon said.
Dizon even told the Philippine News Agency that BCDA expects French firm SEMMARIS to complete a feasibility study on putting up an International Food Market inside the New Clark City by the end of the year.
SEMMARIS is the operator of Rungis International Market, the biggest market in Paris.
The French firm has partnered with Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) for the feasibility study of the International Food Market.
“They are doing it right now. Hopefully by end of the year, they have completed the FS (feasibility study), and then we can start developing,” Dizon said.
Last year, the BCDA, SEMMARIS, and MPIC signed a memorandum of understanding for the project.
BCDA eyes the International Food Market as a facility to link buyers and sellers of food and agricultural products, both from the local and foreign markets. The project is also aimed at helping local farmers gain direct market access and earn more income.
Aside from the French firm, German engineering and electronics company Bosch expressed interest in putting up its testing facility inside the New Clark City.
“We recently talked with Bosch of Germany. They want to set up a testing facility in Clark,” said Dizon.
The BCDA chief added that investment interests among local and foreign companies to locate at New Clark City remain strong.
He mentioned that as soon as Surbana Jurong completed the masterplan for the New Clark City, BCDA will further move forward developments in the new metropolis.
“We’re holding off until we get the urban design and standards from Surbana Jurong. It’s hard to keep on accepting without the strict guidelines in place,” Dizon said. (Kris Crismundo/PNA)
