The Philippine Economic Zone Authority, the premier investment promotion agency and leading home of Japanese manufacturing companies in the Philippines, fosters investments and facilitates business operations in export-oriented manufacturing and service facilities within all designated Special Economic Zones nationwide.
“Since its inception in 1969 as the Export Processing Zone Authority transitioning to the PEZA “ecozone” program, (PEZA) has attracted investments, provided ideal locations and ecosystems and enhanced competitiveness in global markets,” Director-General Tereso O. Panga explained. “Plus, the ease of doing business — that’s the secret to our success.”
PEZA has developed 423 operating economic zones since 1995, spanning diverse sectors from manufacturing and industrial agriculture to medical, tourism and information technology services.
Japanese investors have consistently dominated PEZA’s landscape since 1995, Panga said.
“The Japanese have always been ichiban (No. 1) in PEZA, holding a significant 27.93% share of investments,” he said.
He also explained that investors PEZA enjoy numerous benefits.
“The competitive advantage for Japanese investors lies in the Philippines’ skilled labor force and stable economic fundamentals,” Panga said. “We have a large pool of quality-oriented, highly trainable and English-proficient individuals. Communication is seamless, and our economic zones offer a favorable ecosystem, with PEZA providing a 24/7 one-stop shop.”
The competitive advantage for Japanese investors lies in the Philippines’ skilled labor force and stable economic fundamentals.
Tereso O. Panga, Director-General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority
PEZA’s digital innovations enhance the investment landscape, with initiatives like digital payment systems and the upcoming digital marketplace revolutionizing the ease of doing business.
Looking ahead, PEZA aims to attract more Japanese investment, especially in key industries like semiconductors, electronics, electric vehicles and pharmaceuticals, among others.
“The Philippines is a tried, proven and tested location for Japanese corporations. We’re keen to attract not only major corporations, but also Japanese SMEs (small and midsize enterprises) to become global players like we have done so repeatedly in the past,” Panga emphasized.
PEZA’s robust investor interest since 2022 positions the Philippines as a promising regional business hub in the Asia-Pacific region, on track to become an advanced economy. Its economic zones and Japanese partnerships showcase facilities akin to Japan, emphasizing resilience, sustainability and innovation that appeal to international investors worldwide.
