PASAY CITY—Clark Freeport was highlighted as a key hub in supporting bilateral economic cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea, shaping discussion on the potential of the Luzon Economic Corridor at the Philippines-Korea Business Forum on March 4 at Conrad Manila.
The forum, part of South Korea President Lee Jae Myung’s two-day state visit to the Philippines, was attended by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and President Lee. The event coincides with the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and follows the recent implementation of the Philippines-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the signing of ten memoranda to deepen the two countries’ ties in strategic trade, defense, investment and economic development, technology, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and cultural exchange.
During the Sectoral Cooperation presentations, Clark Development Corp. president and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera underscored how Clark’s integrated system of aviation, logistics, and master-planned infrastructure continues to support Korean locators, who remain the top foreign investors inside the Freeport.
“Clark’s gateway status translates into competitive connectivity across air, road, and logistics networks, lower development and operational risks through master-planning, confidence in continuity, governance, policy support, and strategic access to the full Luzon market from a single hub,” the Clark chief executive said.
Devanadera also emphasized Clark’s commitment to regulatory certainty and investment promotion, supporting the Marcos administration’s Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.
“Now, we continue to strengthen investor confidence because connectivity is reinforced not only by roads and roadways, but by institutional reliability and regulatory clarity,” she added, highlighting CDC’s flagship programs such as the Business One-Stop Shop and Business Interdependence System.
The forum included a high-level memorandum of understanding signing ceremony where the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry and the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy formalized several agreements aimed at expanding industrial cooperation, technology exchange, and supply chain resilience.
Co-organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Korean Industries, the 2026 Philippines-Korea Business Forum marks a new chapter in the 77-year diplomatic relationship between the two nations. Following FTA enactment, the forum serves as a critical platform for bilateral cooperation in core sectors including critical minerals, defense manufacturing, infrastructure, and consumer goods. The event highlights the shared vision of both presidents to transform the Philippines into a regional manufacturing and logistics powerhouse through Korean technology and investment. CDC-PR/Photos: CDC, PCO
