The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO) invited British companies to explore investment opportunities in New Clark City and participate in the development of the Philippines’ first smart, sustainable and green metropolis.
Showcasing the sustainable features and integrated development of New Clark City, BCDA and UK FCDO recently conducted an investment briefing dubbed, “New Clark City: The Philippines’ Sustainable Futurecity and Green Investment Destination,” at the Regent’s University in London, UK.
The roadshow gained an audience of almost 60 British investors involved in priority industries, such as information and communications technology, hospitality, transportation, and research and development.
“We are extremely proud of this collaboration with the Philippine government, in particular the BCDA, and we are excited for the wider UK stakeholders to likewise be involved in the array of opportunities opening in New Clark City. As the country’s first smart, resilient and green metropolis, New Clark City offers a unique opportunity for the UK to work with the Government of the Philippines in boosting investment and driving local growth that opens up transparent, competitive opportunities for international business, including British business,” UK Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau Laure Beaufils said.
Through the investment roadshow, BCDA highlighted the business readiness of New Clark City, as well as its competitive advantages with emphasis on optimal location, robust workforce, and advanced infrastructure to attract potential locators and partners.
“I am proud to present New Clark City, BCDA’s next frontier of development, as it is expected to catalyze inclusive and sustainable growth in Central and Northern Luzon in the Philippines. We invite UK investors to look at the investment opportunities in New Clark City and be part of this development,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Aileen R. Zosa said.
BCDA was also able to conduct business-to-business meetings with interested companies, and learn from the UK’s expertise in mixed-use development, infrastructure planning and data center management through the conduct of a study tour.
The delegation met with different UK organizations, such as Transport for London, Foster and Partners, Connected Places Catapult, and London Legacy Development Corp. to discuss potential collaborations on sustainable infrastructure and smart cities planning.
The outbound mission was part of UK FCDO’s assistance to the BCDA under its Global Future Cities (GFC) programme, which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and urban resilience in 19 cities across the world, including New Clark City.
Prior to this, UK FCDO in April this year turned over to BCDA an integrated sustainability plan for the state-run corporation. This included the design of the New Clark City Central Park, a 44.8-hectare open recreational space envisioned to become one of the largest public parks in the Philippines, as well as a 33.89-hectare affordable housing project, also in New Clark City. UK FCDO also delivered the framework for the creation of a Sustainability Unit in BCDA.
The roadshow was supported by the UK’s Department for International Trade, the Philippine Embassy in London, Philippine Trade and Investment Center- London, UK ASEAN Business Council, and British Expertise International.
“This most recent collaboration between the FCDO and the BCDA clearly shows how the Philippines-UK Enhanced Partnership is taking us to new heights not only bilaterally, but also in the pursuit of common goals for a greener and more sustainable future for Southeast Asia and the world,” said Philippine Embassy in London Charge D’ Affaires Rhenita Rodriguez.
