L-R: PEZA Deputy Director General Vivian Santos Sulit (PEZA Witness); PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga and CCIAP President Connie da Cunha; Former Undersecretary Department of Energy (2016-2022) and Retired President & CEO Philippine National Oil Corporation Jesus Cristino Posadas (CCIAP Witness) Photo credit: Philippine Economic Zone Authority
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Inc. (CCIAP) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) have formalised a partnership to enhance foreign investment and support the growth of the biotechnology sector in the Philippines.
The agreement, signed on 24 January, designates CCIAP as PEZA’s Investment Promotion Partner (IPP), with a focus on attracting multinational companies, fostering research collaborations, and strengthening regional economic ties.
Boosting Innovation Through Research and Development
A key aspect of the partnership is promoting collaboration between academic institutions and research facilities in both countries. By fostering innovation in biotechnology, the initiative aims to create opportunities for scientific advancements and commercial applications that can benefit industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable manufacturing.
Attracting Global Biotech Firms
The agreement also seeks to position the Philippines as a strategic hub for global biotech companies. By encouraging foreign firms to set up manufacturing and research operations in the country, the partnership aims to strengthen the local biotech value chain, generate jobs, and boost exports.
Strengthening Regional Economic Cooperation
Beyond bilateral trade, the partnership will focus on expanding economic ties within ASEAN. By working closely with regional governments and industry groups, both PEZA and CCIAP aim to attract sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI) and create long-term economic growth.
PEZA Director General Tereso Panga and CCIAP President Connie da Cunha Photo credit: Philippine Economic Zone Authority
L-R: Former Undersecretary Department of Energy (2016-2022) and Retired President & CEO Philippine National Oil Corporation Jesus Cristino Posadas; PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga and CCIAP President Connie da Cunha; PEZA Deputy Director General Vivian Santos Sulit Photo credit: Philippine Economic Zone Authority
L-R: Paulo Valdez representing Jose Mari Pestaño of General Santos City; Avie Abarquez representing CCIAP Secretary; PEZA Deputy Director General Vivian Santos Sulit; PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga and CCIAP President Connie da Cunha; Philippine Consul for Queensland, Australia Attorney Sheryl Gabutero; Former Undersecretary Department of Energy (2016-2022) and Retired President & CEO Philippine National Oil Corporation Jesus Cristino Posadas; Paul dela Torre representing Jose Mari Pestaño of General Santos City Photo credit: Philippine Economic Zone Authority
L-R: ; Avie Abarquez representing CCIAP Secretary; Paulo Valdez representing Jose Mari Pestaño of General Santos City; Former Undersecretary Department of Energy (2016-2022) and Retired President & CEO Philippine National Oil Corporation Jesus Cristino Posadas; PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga and CCIAP President Connie da Cunha; PEZA Deputy Director General Vivian Santos Sulit; Philippine Consul for Queensland Australia Attorney Sheryll Gabutero; Paul dela Torre representing Jose Mari Pestaño of General Santos City Photo credit: Philippine Economic Zone Authority
Leaders Highlight Benefits of the Partnership
CCIAP President Connie da Cunha emphasised the economic opportunities the collaboration could bring.
“By working together, we hope to drive investment into biotechnology, sustainable industries, and advanced manufacturing, fostering economic growth for both countries,” President da Cunha said.
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga highlighted Australia’s increasing role in the Philippine economy.
“This agreement reflects the growing trade ties between Australia and the Philippines. We look forward to expanding opportunities for Australian companies in the country,” Director General Panga said.
According to PEZA, Australian-linked companies operating in Philippine economic zones have already contributed over PHP 11 billion in investments, USD 750 million in exports, and more than 47,000 direct jobs. The newly signed agreement aims to build on these achievements by creating more investment opportunities and further strengthening trade relations.
Both organisations plan to develop concrete programs and initiatives in the coming months to implement the partnership’s objectives.