The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco) eyes partnerships with Spanish engineering firm IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture S.A.U. and major trade show organization Fira Barcelona to develop vital infrastructure projects.
During its investment mission in Spain, Apeco and IDOM director for logistics and operations Jaume Mas Vilella discussed plans to construct a food and logistics hub and port infrastructure in Casiguran town in Aurora province.
On the other hand, Apeco and Fira Barcelona International CEO Ricard Zapatero explored the possibility of building a world-class convention center at the ecozone.
Apeco will form a working group to draft the memoranda of understanding and finalize the list of projects to be undertaken with IDOM and Fira.
Apeco aims to propose a feasibility study to IDOM for the five- to 10-hectare food and logistics hub, which aims to boost agricultural production, develop value-adding industries and enhance the local food supply chain.
The hub is modeled after Mercabarna, a 100-hectare wholesale and logistics complex in Barcelona that supplies fresh food to the public. It also houses 600 companies engaged in the distribution, preparation, importing and exporting of fresh and frozen products.
Apeco president and CEO Gil Taway IV said IDOM had signified interest in assisting Apeco to design its port facilities and cold chain logistics system and secure financing from the Asian Development Bank.
‘IDOM’s expertise in large-scale infrastructure will help strengthen the ecozone’s logistics and agri-industrial capabilities,’ Taway said.
Taway said the hub would complement agricultural and fisheries-based economic activities in Casiguran, allowing farmers and fishers to gain closer access to markets.
Infra backbone
The partnership is also aligned with Apeco’s goal of making Casiguran the ‘fishing capital of the Pacific’, with Taway saying this could help establish the infrastructure backbone to support food security, investment and job creation.
IDOM is involved in the development of the National Food Hub in Clark and the country’s Food Logistics Action Agen
Meanwhile, Fira Barcelona, a consortium composed of Barcelona City Council, the Catalan Government and the Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona, expressed willingness to help Apeco conduct a feasibility study for the proposed center.
It also suggested incorporating commercial smart-city developments to ensure sustainability of the convention center. This is seen to promote economic growth and tourism in Aurora – particularly in Dinalungan, Casiguran and Dilasag corridor – by staging meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions in the area.