Home to the capital city, Metro Manila and the urban belt is a remarkably diverse region. Covering both urban and rural areas, the region has a population of more than 22 million and has some of the most highly developed infrastructure in the country.

Extremely high employment rates mean businesses benefit from a strong and reliable workforce. Incentives are also available from the many special economic zones in the area which service both industrial and agricultural businesses.

INFRASTRUCTURE

With two international airports and the country’s largest seaport, businesses based in Metro Manila and the urban belt have access to some of the best infrastructure in the Philippines. The development of highways leading to other regions makes Metro Manila and the urban belt a prime location for telecommunications, IT and logistics businesses. The large port can service any import and export businesses.

KEY AIRPORTS AND PORTS

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport

• Clark International Airport

• Subic Bay International Airport

• Port of Manila (Manila North and South Harbor)

• Manila International Container Terminal

• Subic Bay Port

• Batangas Port

• Subic Bay Airport

SPECIAL ECONOMIC AND FREEPORT ZONES

• Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)

• Subic Bay Freeport Zone

• Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ)

• The Freeport of Bataan

KEY AREAS OF BUSINESS

Automotive →

Aerospace →

Electronics →

IT & Business Processing Management →

Industrial Processing

Agro-processing

Trade and Retail

Made up of regions including Ilocos, Cagayan and the Cordillera, the northern part of the Philippines is a highly attractive location. It is also a major trade link to Asia, Europe, and North America.

The area is rich in natural resources and home to many agriculture businesses. Strong export links present many opportunities for agricultural export. The region is already known for its variety of produce, which includes rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, livestock and fish.

Mining has a strong potential for growth. Rich metal and mineral deposits such as gold, copper and limestone can be found across the region, from Cagayan to the Cordillera. The region has a population of over 30 million, and a 96% employment rate.

INFRASTRUCTURE. The region is serviced by domestic and international airports, including Clark Airport which offers daily flights to major Southeast Asian cities. It is also home to more than 50 ports, making it ideal for import and export trade.

KEY AIRPORTS AND PORTS

• Tuguegarao Airport

• Vigan Airport

• San Fernando Airport

• San Fernando Port

• Sulvec Port

• Salomague International Port

SPECIAL ECONOMIC AND FREEPORT ZONES

• Cagayan Special Economic Zone

• Poro Point Freeport Zone

KEY AREAS OF BUSINESS

Agriculture

Mining

Manufacturing

Tourism

Located at the heart of the country, the Central Philippines is the tourism hub, boasting heritage sites, surfing spots and long stretches of white sand beaches.

The region is expansive, with an abundance of natural and mineral resources, making it the chosen destination for investment in mining and quarrying. Though one of the smallest regions, it boasts a population of more than 11 million and very high employment rates of 93%.

The area is also home to the province of Cebu – which has the country’s fastest-growing economy. Cebu City is the main centre of commerce, trade, education, and industry. As the second most popular investment destination after Manila, Cebu has become a global hub for shipping, furniture-making, tourism, business processing services, and heavy industries.

INFRASTRUCTURE

This region has undergone an infrastructure overhaul with two new international airports under construction and the expansion of domestic airports to cover flights from South Korea. Seaports are also prominent in the region. Ports in Bohol and Cebu can handle over 20 million kilograms of cargo.

KEY AIRPORTS AND PORTS

• Mactan Cebu International Airport

• Kalibo International Airport

• Iloilo International Airport

• Tacloban City Airport

• Cebu International Airport

• Lilvan Port

• Maasin Port

ECOZONES

• Mactan Export Processing Zone

KEY AREAS OF BUSINESS

IT BPM →

Shipbuilding

Agriculture

Infrastructure

Strategically located in the south of the Philippines, this resource-rich region is made up of the islands of Mindanao, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Highly diversified, the Southern Philippines enjoys sustained economic growth and is home to the Phividec Industrial Estate. The country’s largest, it hosts light to medium industries. The region is composed of five provinces and nine cities with a thriving economy.

The international seaport and container terminals located in Mindanao make it an attractive business location. They serve the entire region and are among the most efficient in the country. Close proximity and historical ties to Malaysia and Indonesia allow for excellent trading opportunities.

With some of the best power systems in the Philippines, electricity can be accessed reliably and at a low cost, providing huge potential for industrial development. The government is backing this potential by funding new infrastructure projects.

The region has a population of over 25 million and an employment rate of 95%.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The region is serviced by domestic and international airports such as Davao International Airport which offers flights to Singapore, Hong Kong and Doha. It is also home to more than 60 ports including Mindanao Container Terminal, which has a capacity of over 500,000 TEUS. The region also has exceptional power supplies, providing an ideal location for industrial businesses.

KEY AIRPORTS AND PORTS

• Davao international Airport

• Vigan Airport

• Laguindingan Airport

• Zamboanga Airport

• Mindanao Container Terminal

• Cagayan de Oro baseport

SPECIAL ECONOMIC AND FREEPORT ZONES

• Phividec Economic Zone

• Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone

KEY AREAS OF BUSINESS

Eco-Tourism

Light Manufacturing

Industrial Estate Development

Agri-Business

Services

The Philippines has a huge variety of properties available for lease or rent. Whatever your business requirements, you are sure to be able to find the right kind of property or land.

LEASING

Foreign nationals can lease land for business purposes for a maximum of 75 years and we can assist in the process of finding a suitable location for your business and securing leasing contracts.

RENTING

There is a wide range of options available in the Philippines, whether you are looking to rent for business or accommodation.

BUYING

For larger companies looking to build, foreign nationals can acquire land by incorporating their company into a corporation in the Philippines, where maximum foreign equity is 40%. Though foreign nationals cannot own land, they are eligible to purchase condominium units (apartment and office space) throughout the Philippines.

LAND USE PLANNING

Companies operating across the country can provide specialist support to businesses interested in conducting pre-feasibility studies or seeking guidance on the planning process.

Types of land available:

• Areas in special economic zones

• Business development centres

• Industrial parks

• IT parks and buildings

• New cities

• Agricultural

• Former military bases