The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) targets to grow employment in ecozones by 6 to 7 percent this year on the back of robust investments, according to Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, manager of PEZA Promotions and Public Relations Group.
That is more than a 100,000 new jobs to be added to the 1.7 million workers currently employed by locators in ecozones.
Guiapal told the Laging Handa public briefing yesterday the agency submitted this as a target to the new administration along with plans to activate more ecozones in the country.
Guiapal said in Mindanao alone, 18 areas are primed for ecozone locations.
Guiapal added PEZA will continue its investment promotion and its participation in inbound and outbound missions targeting emerging markets like the Middle East.
“Investments empower communities in terms of job creation and growth not just in Metro Manila, Calabarzon but all over the country especially in Mindanao. In coordination with the local government units, we hope to achieve these targets,” Guiapal said.
Citing surveys, Guiapal said the composition of the Marcos’ economic team boosted business confidence and lifted the country’s image.
He said incoming investment delegations include those from Australia and Taiwan while outbound missions include PEZA’s participation in the upcoming Asean-China Expo.
Other initiatives of PEZA include the promotion of islamic banking and finance and creation of Halal hubs.
