PEZA pushes for more SEZs to spur job creation
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is urging the new administration to develop more special economic zones (SEZ) to stimulate job generation and economic recovery.
In an interview with the Inquirer, PEZA Director-General Charito Plaza suggested that the government should “replicate” the agency’s SEZ program across the country.
Plaza explained, “The success stories of LGUs (local government units) hosting economic zones and industries specializing [in] specific products and industrial activities have enriched and empowered the LGUs and their constituents.”
“Our … wish is for the administration to adopt the SEZs as an economic umbrella program [allowing] agencies to focus their projects [and] programs [in making] ecozones attractive and globally competitive,” she added.
According to Republic Act No. 7916, an SEZ is a hub that can be developed into an agro-industrial, industrial tourist/recreational, commercial, banking, investment, and financial center.
Plaza’s suggestion came as PEZA announced its plans to prioritize the establishment of oil depots, refineries, agro-industrial, and renewable energy ecozones in the Philippines to boost sustainability amid rising inflation and the growing threat of a global recession.
