Building on the momentum of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s successful visit to the Czech Republic earlier in 2024, officials of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) met with key leaders of the business sectors of Prague and Brno in the Czech Republic last November 2024. Led by APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, the investment mission would not have been successful without the support of Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic, H.E. Eduardo R. Meñez, and the guidance from Minister and Consul General Indhira C. Bañares. The goal of the mission was to raise awareness about the economic zone’s new strategic direction and to build economic ties with existing Czech allies.
On the first day of the mission, the APECO delegation paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Eduardo R. Meñez, Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic, to introduce the members of the delegation as well as to apprise the Ambassador on the objectives of the mission. Ambassador Meñez expressed his full support for APECO’s vision in establishing the Philippines’ 1st National Defense Hub as well as on its plans to introduce industry development and to diversify the tourism market in Aurora. Joining the courtesy call was Consul General Indhira C. Bañares who likewise welcomed the initiative of APECO to visit emerging foreign investment markets such as the Czech Republic who may also find value in investing in key infrastructure projects in the Philippines such as the Casiguran Seaport and the APECO Airport which may enable cross-border economic activities for the Czech-based companies.
In pursuit of its national security imperative, APECO met with Mr. Jaroslav Pecháček, Vice President of the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic (AOBP), who admittedly shared that the Philippines has long been in the radar of Czech defense-related companies. Through AOBP, APECO has found a critical gateway to connect with leading Czech companies specializing in various defense industries such as research, development, trade, and manufacturing. By establishing a primary contact within AOBP, APECO is taking proactive steps to attract Czech defense firms to participate in the development of the 1st National Defense Hub in the Philippines to be located in Casiguran, Aurora.
APECO also held high-level discussions with three major chambers of commerce and confederations during the investment mission. Representing the Czech Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Mr. Jiri Hasnl, Director of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Petr Talafus, Deputy Director, and Ms. Eva Langeroya, Project Manager, welcomed APECO’s eagerness to explore the various strengths of the business sector of the Czech Republic. With its vast network, CCC can advance APECO’s investment agenda by facilitating business connections between Czech enterprises and scheduling missions between the two countries. By leveraging CCC’s business matchmaking and networking capabilities, APECO is positioning to be the strategic investment partner for Czech companies looking to expand into Southeast Asia.
Similarly, the delegation also met with Mr. Oto Hrdlička, Director of External Relations, and Mr. Tomáš Kubala, Vice President of the Economic Chamber and Chair of the Board, of the Brno Chamber of Commerce (BCC). The BCC can provide APECO an opportunity to connect with European SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) looking to expand internationally. The chamber’s focus on innovation and international cooperation aligns with APECO’s goal of attracting diverse industries for development, making it an ideal partner in investment promotion.
Looking for a group with expertise on various advocacies and who maintains a healthy collaboration with government bodies, the delegation met with Mr. Daniel Urban, President, Mr. Lukas Martin, Director of International Affairs, and Dominik Joza, External Affairs, of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic. The Confederation can initiate dialogues between APECO and Czech policymakers to create mutually beneficial investment frameworks for Czech businesses seeking offshore manufacturing hubs, trade partnerships, and expansion opportunities. Through their expertise on industrial policy and innovations, APECO aims to align its zone development with global best practices in order to make the economic zone more attractive for European investors.
All of these insightful meetings provided APECO with a platform to showcase its incentives and investment-ready opportunities. In particular, APECO emphasized its plans to develop the Casiguran Seaport and the APECO Airport which will position the economic zone as a vital gateway for trade and commerce globally. Discussions also covered investment opportunities for food security through Aurora's rich natural resources. Aiming to be the Fishing Capital of Luzon, APECO hopes to capitalize on the rich abundance of the Philippine Sea which is a known tuna highway as well as a spawning ground to many high value fish. Moreover, APECO explored partnerships in renewable energy projects to ensure sustainable power solutions for the Philippines. These strategic engagements underscore APECO’s commitment to creating a diversified investment ecosystem ripe for foreign partnership and joint collaboration.
In separate meetings, APECO also met with Vaclav Beran, Head of Business and Sustainability at Evergreen, and Michael Janeček, Director of the Czech Water Alliance. Both meetings focused on different sustainable development initiatives that would advance sustainable development goals while providing interesting investment opportunities. Evergreen's expertise in nature-based carbon removal solutions aligns with APECO’s commitment to environmental sustainability, while the Czech Water Alliance presented promising frameworks and technologies for improving resource management in the economic zone. These engagements highlight APECO’s dedication in integrating green technology and sustainable practices into its long-term economic plans.
Finally, APECO is also expanding its reach to non-traditional markets as they met with Mr. Jan Krchňavý, Chief of Technical Section, from Masaryk University, a prestigious UN-funded institution renowned for its advancements in medical technology and healthcare solutions in the Czech Republic. During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to explore the Department of Simulation Medicine and Simulation Center’s (SIMU) cutting-edge facilities and research programs which provided substantial insight to medical services and healthcare innovations that can be replicated and adapted in the Philippines. Through this productive engagement, APECO hopes to implement similar innovations in the country.
With its continued push for new locators and investors, APECO is positioning itself as the Philippines’ 1st National Defense Hub, the Fishing Capital of Luzon, and a renewable energy center. By leveraging its strategic location and fostering collaborations with European business leaders, APECO is paving the way for sustainable economic growth and innovation in the Philippines. Investors seeking opportunities in a dynamic economic zone should look no further than APECO—the country’s next premiere investment market.
