[ Malaya.com.ph ] June 4, 2008
By IRMA ISIP
The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) is in serious talks with a semiconductor firm, which is at least equal in size with American chip manufacturer Texas Instruments, to establish a 30-hectare semiconductor facility in Clark, according to Bernardo F. Angeles, Jr., assistant ice president for investment promotions of CDC.
Angeles did not name the party but said the opening of TI’s $1-billion 8-hectare facility in Clark by the end of the year is generating a lot of investor interest in electronics and other IT businesses.
Angeles said CDC is in negotiations with foreign firms to set up a software development park in Clark as well as a testing center for integrated circuits.
"Major TI suppliers have signified their keen interests to locate in Clark while those that are already in Clark have embarked on expansion programs to increase their capacities," Angeles said.
An example is L&K Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Lite-On of Japan manufacturing various electronics products.
Alongside all these plans, Angeles disclosed that master planning for the 10,684hectare area across the Clark Freeport zone is likewise underway.
Angeles said the area, known as the Clark special economic zone, is intended for high-end techno industrial projects as well as eco-tourism and agro-industrial developments.
"The area is considered the next frontier (in Clark) which will serve as the magnet for the entry investments in region 3," Angeles said.
Aside from manufacturing, Angeles said CDC is also receiving more offers for hotel resort complexes, tourism estates and golf courses.
Currently, CDC is bidding three properties for tourism areas which but he did not identify the.
"CDC would like to transform Clark into a world class golfing and leisure destination in Asia," Angeles said.
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