The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said its economic zones (ecozones) are courting locators (PEZA-registered companies operating within the zones) planning to manufacture robotics and advanced electronics products, as the government investment promotion agency seeks to draw a new wave of high-technology investors.

"By attracting strategic investments in AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, among others, PEZA is helping position the country as a leading destination for the industries that will define the future of manufacturing, technology, and global trade," PEZA said in a statement on Thursday.

"We are seeing a new generation of investors entering the Philippines, particularly in artificial intelligence, robotics, factory automation, advanced electronics, and other strategic industries. These high-value investments generate quality jobs, enhance technological capabilities, and move the country higher up the global value chain," PEZA Director-General Tereso O. Panga said, as quoted in the statement.

PEZA said its ecozones have developed into mature business ecosystems capable of supporting AI-driven and highly automated operations, citing their infrastructure, utilities, logistics connectivity, digital readiness, and skilled talent pool for high-tech industries.

The agency added that its ecozones form part of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), which seeks to attract foreign investment in infrastructure, logistics, and connectivity. More than 200 PEZA-registered ecozones and roughly 1,000 locators operate within the corridor, spanning growth hubs such as Metro Manila, Subic Bay, Clark, and Batangas. That emphasis overlaps with the features PEZA says make its zones fit for AI-driven, automated operations, from infrastructure and utilities to logistics connectivity and digital readiness.

"These ecozones complement the development of NCC (New Clark City) and other strategic growth centers by ensuring that investment-ready locations, support services, and talent are already in place," PEZA said.

PEZA attracted P216.46 billion worth of investments by the end of August, or about 72.16% of its P300-billion annual investment target for 2026. That leaves roughly P83.54 billion for the agency to attract over the remainder of the year, and the sectors at the center of its pitch — artificial intelligence, robotics, factory automation, and advanced electronics — are the ones PEZA has named as the source of its next wave of investors. Updates to PEZA's running investment tally through year-end will show whether that courtship converts into commitments.

Source: BusinessWorld Online — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz