Clark pitched as key PH–South Korea investment hub at business forum

Business | International Business Posted on 2026-03-10 05:11:46

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — The Clark Freeport Zone was promoted as a strategic center for expanding economic cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea during the Philippines–Korea Business Forum held in Manila.

The forum formed part of the two-day state visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to discuss ways to strengthen trade, investment, and industrial collaboration between the two countries.

The event also commemorated the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea and followed the implementation of the Philippines–South Korea Free Trade Agreement. Additional agreements were also discussed covering trade, defense, technology, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and cultural exchanges.

During sectoral presentations, Agnes Devanadera, president and chief executive officer of the Clark Development Corporation, highlighted Clark’s increasing role in supporting South Korean investments in the country.

She noted that South Korean firms remain the largest group of foreign investors operating within the Freeport, taking advantage of Clark’s integrated aviation, logistics, and master-planned infrastructure.

“Clark’s gateway status translates into competitive connectivity across air, road, and logistics networks, lower development and operational risks through master-planning, confidence in continuity, governance, policy support, and strategic access to the full Luzon market from a single hub,” Devanadera said.

She also emphasized the Freeport’s commitment to maintaining stable policies and promoting investments in line with the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.

Devanadera added that Clark continues to strengthen investor confidence not only through infrastructure but also through reliable institutions and clear regulations. Among the initiatives cited were the Business One-Stop Shop and the Business Interdependence System implemented by the Clark Development Corporation.

The forum also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Trade and Industry and South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy aimed at expanding industrial cooperation, facilitating technology exchange, and strengthening supply chain resilience.

Co-organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Korean Industries, the event served as a platform to deepen bilateral partnerships in sectors such as critical minerals, defense manufacturing, infrastructure, and consumer goods.

Officials said the engagement reflects the shared objective of both governments to develop the Philippines into a regional manufacturing and logistics hub through increased South Korean investments, technology, and trade.

NPO News Team | PIA-PR

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