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The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority is eyeing partnerships with two Spanish companies – IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture S.A.U., and exhibition sites consultant, designer, and manager Fira Barcelona – following its recent investment mission to Spain
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APECO president and CEO Gil Taway IV said the discussions with IDOM centered on the development of a food and cold chain logistics hub as well as port infrastructure development in its ecozone in Casiguran, Aurora
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The potential collaboration with Fira Barcelona involves the development of a world-class convention center within the ecozone
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A working group will be formed to draft the respective memorandum of understanding with the two firms, and finalize the list of projects
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is eyeing partnerships with two Spanish companies – IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture S.A.U., and exhibition sites consultant, designer, and manager Fira Barcelona – following its investment mission to Spain from September 29 to October 3.
APECO president and CEO Gil Taway IV said the discussions with IDOM director for Logistics and Operations Jaume Mas Vilella centered on the development of a food and cold chain logistics hub as well as port infrastructure development in its ecozone in Casiguran, Aurora.
“IDOM’s expertise in large-scale infrastructure will help strengthen the ecozone’s logistics and agri-industrial capabilities,” Taway said in a press release.
“It complements the agricultural and fisheries-based economic activities in Casiguran, giving our farmers and fisherfolk direct and closer access to markets,” he added.
APECO is proposing to IDOM, which already has a presence in the Philippines, a feasibility study for a five- to 10-hectare (ha) food and logistics hub inspired by Barcelona’s Mercabarna, a 100-ha wholesale and logistics complex developed by the city government.
The project aims to encourage agricultural production and value-adding industries in Casiguran while improving the local food supply chain.
Taway said IDOM also expressed interest in assisting the investment promotion agency in designing its port facilities and cold chain logistics system as well as supporting access to investment-ready projects that may be of interest with IDOM’s partners such as the Asian Development Bank.
“IDOM’s proposal aligns with our goal to make Casiguran the Fishing Capital of the Pacific and our vision of boosting agricultural output while promoting value-adding activities for Aurora’s agri-based industries. This partnership can help us build the infrastructure backbone that supports food security, investment, and job creation,” he said.
Meanwhile, APECO also met with Fira Barcelona International CEO Ricard Zapatero to explore possible collaboration on developing a world-class convention center within the ecozone.
Fira, majority owned by the Catalonia regional government and Barcelona city government, is one of Europe’s leading event organizers and manages large premium event centers.
Fira expressed willingness to assist APECO in conducting a feasibility study for the proposed convention center and encouraged integrating surrounding commercial and smart-city developments to ensure sustainability.
This is also aligned with APECO’s mandate of promoting economic growth in Aurora province, particularly in the DiCaDi corridor, covering the towns of Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag.
A convention center would boost the tourism industry by bringing in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.
Taway said a working group will be formed to draft the respective memorandum of understanding with the two firms, and finalize the list of projects.
During the investment mission to Spain, APECO met nine other companies including Amper Group, Geomystra, EM&E, Rafael de Hoz Architects, L35 Architects, GlobalTec, ACCIO, Port de Barcelona, and Mercabana.
