(9 July 2025, Manila) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) will go on a mission trip this November to attract investment from Spain and Portugal for big ticket infrastructure projects, such as the Casiguran Seaport and the APECO Airport.
In a statement on Tuesday, APECO said its president and chief executive officer, Gil Taway IV, met recently with Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray Delgado and La Cámara (Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines) Executive Director Ascension Lillo-Martin.
APECO said Taway conveyed the investment promotion agency’s intention to forge stronger economic ties ahead of the anticipated Philippine-European Union (EU) free trade agreement (FTA).
“The mission forms part of APECO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with global stakeholders, invite foreign direct investments, and position the ecozone as a new strategic transshipment hub in Southeast Asia,” Taway said.
The mission, he said, will showcase APECO’s development-ready sites, investment incentives and emerging opportunities in key sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, logistics and defense.
It is part of APECO’s preparation to take full advantage of the opportunities the Philippines-EU FTA will unlock, he added.
“By strengthening linkages with Spain and Portugal, nations with a rich history of trade and innovation and globally recognized leadership in port operations and development, we aim to position APECO as a transshipment hub for European businesses looking to expand into the Asean region,” Taway said.
The agency said it acquired last month an additional 12-hectares of land in Barangay Esteves, Casiguran to support the transformation of its existing airstrip into a fully operational commercial airport.
Meanwhile, the proposed Casiguran seaport is envisioned to be a vital gateway for trade and commerce, positioning it as a strategic hub for local and international businesses, especially in the agro-industry, renewable energy, defense and tourism, among others, APECO added.
The original news article was first featured in Malaya Business Insight by Irma Isip. To view the article, click here.
