Existing Industrial Estates to Accelerate Luzon Economic Corridor Development

Existing industrial estates are poised to play a crucial role in accelerating the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), a joint initiative by the governments of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan. Aboitiz Economic Estates highlighted this potential following a visit by a delegation from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to LIMA Estate in Batangas, stating that these established zones can convert stronger connectivity into investment by providing companies with ready operating environments. "The Luzon Economic Corridor is a major opportunity to strengthen the Philippines as a manufacturing and investment platform," said Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, president and CEO of Aboitiz Economic Estates. The LEC aims to bolster infrastructure, economic connectivity, and investment across key growth areas in Luzon. The USTDA delegation's visit to LIMA Estate was part of broader engagement surrounding the corridor. It allowed the delegation to observe the existing industrial capacity in Southern Luzon, along with the supporting infrastructure, utilities, and workforce systems. LIMA Estate currently spans approximately 1,100 hectares, hosts over 200 locators, and employs around 75,000 workers, showcasing the scale of industrial activity in Batangas. The estate has attracted approximately P129 billion in locator investments. Aboitiz Economic Estates operates industrial platforms in both Southern and Central Luzon. LIMA Estate offers mature, operational capacity in Batangas, while TARI Estate in Tarlac provides next-generation industrial capacity with strategic access to Clark and Subic. Leveraging these existing infrastructures is expected to expedite the achievement of the LEC's objectives.