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The Freeport Area of Bataan was named Industrial Zone of the Year for Asia-Pacific in the fDi Intelligence Global Free Zones Awards 2025
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The recognition highlights FAB’s expansion across Bataan, efficient investor facilitation, and strong support for manufacturing and logistics enterprises
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FAB was cited for its balanced industrial growth, embracing both traditional industries and emerging sectors like blockchain and fintech
The Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) was named Industrial Zone of the Year for Asia-Pacific in the fDi Intelligence Global Free Zones Awards 2025.
FAB stood out among Asia-Pacific’s leading industrial hubs for its strategic expansion across Bataan, efficient investor facilitation, and robust support for manufacturing and logistics industries.
The award also highlighted FAB’s diversified growth, accommodating both traditional manufacturing operations and emerging sectors such as blockchain and fintech services, reflecting FAB’s adaptability to new technologies and evolving investor demands.
In recent years, FAB has attracted several major investment commitments, including Petron Corporation’s largest oil refinery. Petron is also developing a co-methyl ester plant adjacent to the refinery, further expanding its footprint in the freeport.
The annual awards organized by the division of the Financial Times Group, identify the world’s most competitive, innovative, and investor-ready free zones and industrial estates.
“The free zone area has shifted to promoting traditional manufacturing alongside emerging industries that are less sensitive to tariffs. This includes knowledge-based sectors like fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain and business process outsourcing sectors,” fDi said in a feature on its website.
The judging panel recognized the Freeport Area of Bataan for its competitive advantages offered to investors, including a 5% gross income earned tax that ensures fiscal stability and predictability for locators. FAB’s strategic location also provides strong connectivity to major economic centers such as Metro Manila.
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Established in 1969 as the country’s first export processing zone in the town of Mariveles, FAB has since evolved into a dynamic investment hub serving a diverse range of industries. Under Republic Act No. 11453, the Authority of the FAB’s (AFAB) expanded mandate allows the declaration of FAB Expansion Areas across Bataan, extending incentives and streamlined processes to more investors.
“Under the leadership of AFAB Administrator and CEO Hussein Pangandaman, AFAB continues to improve access, systems, and infrastructure to make the Freeport more competitive and responsive to global investors,” AFAB said in a press release.
