THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said it will help develop agro-industrial and marine products-based economic zones through a partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA).
PEZA said in a statement Tuesday that the two agencies signed a memorandum of agreement intended to industrialize agribusiness.
PEZA Director-General Charito B. Plaza said that the agreement will promote domestic production, manufacturing, and exports — as well as reduce import dependence.
“The partnership with other government agencies and industries is necessary especially with the implementation of Administrative Order No. 18, which aims to accelerate rural progress through robust development of special economic zones in the countryside,” she said.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte in June ordered the expedited development of ecozones in rural areas, placing a moratorium on applications for ecozones in Metro Manila.
The administrative order asks government agencies to hasten human capital and infrastructure development, strengthen ecozones in the countryside, and develop backward and forward linkages for industries in and around the ecozones.
Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said that both agencies hope to improve farm incomes and generate rural work opportunities.
“Both DA and PEZA recognize the need for cooperative effort in promoting and supporting investments to agricultural-oriented activities through the granting of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives and development of agro-industrial, aquamarine, and agro-forestry special ecozones,” he said.
“This is now the time to bring investors to hubs where they can set up rural industries that will unlock the potential of agriculture and agribusiness for the country.”
PEZA also signed an agreement with Canada’s True North Farms, Inc. to establish 50-hectare agro-industrial ecozones in three production sites for cacao geared for the export market.
PEZA said that the project meets the objectives of the 2016-2022 Philippine Cacao Industry Road Map aimed at creating a sustainable and competitive cacao industry while developing the countryside. — Jenina P. Ibañez
