BCDA, Clark Officials Conduct Successful Business Mission to Chicago
Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin (ninth from left) and Clark Development Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Noel Manankil (eighth from left) pose with US-China Chamber of Commerce President Siva Yam (11th from right), company executives and other participants of the “Opportunities in Clark” seminar and luncheon held at the Union League Club of Chicago on 16 April 2019. (Chicago PCG photo)
CHICAGO 26 April 2019 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago lauded officials of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) for the successful conduct of their trade and investment mission to Chicago on 15-16 April 2019.
The mission culminated in an executive seminar and luncheon held on 16 April 2019 at the exclusive Union League Club of Chicago. Entitled “Opportunities in Clark,” the seminar was organized by BCDA, CDC and the Consulate in cooperation with the US-China Chamber of Commerce led by its President, Siva Yam. The seminar was attended by members of the chamber and other executives.
Illinois Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laura Ortega, and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Assistant Deputy Director Godfrey Angara also participated in the seminar.
In her opening remarks, Consul General to Chicago Gina A. Jamoralin highlighted the dynamic and sustainable Philippine economic growth, which the International Monetary Fund forecasts to be the fastest in Southeast Asia in the next five years. She also recalled the proven track record of Clark as a logistics hub and American gateway to the Asian region for almost 100 years, and also enlightened participants on the deep historical ties between Clark Airbase and the Midwest.
CDC President and Chief Executive Officer Noel Manankil delivered the keynote presentation, which provided a clear, comprehensive and visually appealing overview of Clark and the business opportunities it presented. He highlighted the connectivity and attractiveness of Clark, with a world-class international airport, Grade A road network and highways connecting to Manila and Subic Bay Freeport, a high-speed rail to Manila that will be operational in 2020, topnotch Internet connectivity, and affordable and dependable utilities.
He also discussed the incentives being enjoyed by more than 1,000 foreign and local locators and the exciting ongoing projects in Clark, including the first-rate venues for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games. Mr. Manankil encouraged the participants to visit Clark and to eventually invest and locate there.
For his part, US-China Chamber of Commerce President Siva Yam expressed appreciation for the visit of the delegation to Chicago. He noted that the very impressive presentation garnered a lot of positive feedback that could lead to a trade mission to Clark this year.
On 15 April 2019, the delegation, together with Mr. Yam and Consulate General representatives, th delegation visited Underwriters Laboratories (UL) LLC in Northbrook, Illinois. UL LLC is a global independent safety science company with more than a century of expertise innovating safety solutions.
UL LLC Vice President for Corporate Sustainability Barbara Guthrie toured the delegation around the facilities and operations of UL. The delegation invited UL LLC to locate in Clark, and noted that the best practices and world-class safety standards set by the company could be utilized in developing New Clark City.
On the same day, Consul General Jamoralin hosted a working lunch with the delegation, and introduced its members to Rajah Tours International Inc. Chairperson Alejandra C. Clemente to discuss the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour in July, which will make a stop in Clark, and possible collaboration on future tourism projects. Consul General Jamoralin also toured the delegation around the Consulate General chancery.
The mission was part of BCDA and CDC’s investment roadshow in the United States to promote Clark as the Philippines’ next growth area and heart of the Philippines’ US$160 billion “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program. END
Consul General Jamoralin delivering the opening remarks (Chicago PCG photo)
Clark Development Corporation President Manankil delivering the keynote presentation (Chicago PCG photo)
Seminar participants actively participate in the executive seminar and luncheon (Chicago PCG photo)
For more information, visit www.chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph, www.chicagopcg.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChicago/.