The announcement was made during the celebration of the 23rd Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day on July 7 in Baler, Aurora.
APECO president and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV met with Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray Delgado and La Cámara (Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines) executive director Ascension Lillo-Martin to discuss investment cooperation.
Taway said the planned mission will highlight major infrastructure projects within the economic zone, including the Casiguran Seaport and APECO Airport.
“This mission is part of APECO’s preparation to take full advantage of the opportunities the PH-EU Free Trade Agreement will unlock,” said Taway. “By strengthening linkages with Spain and Portugal—nations with a rich history of trade and innovation and globally recognized leadership in port operations and development—we aim to position APECO as a transshipment hub for European businesses looking to expand into the ASEAN region.”
The outbound mission will include investor roundtables and meetings with business chambers, development partners, and government officials in both Spain and Portugal.
APECO aims to promote its development-ready investment sites, generous fiscal incentives, and opportunities in key sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, logistics, and defense.
Taway added that the mission supports the broader vision of “Bagong APECO,” which prioritizes transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth—values aligned with the expectations of European investors seeking ethical and sustainable investment destinations.
APECO’s upcoming visit to Europe is expected to mark a major step in its efforts to revitalize the economic zone, attract foreign investment, and spur regional growth across Aurora and the greater Luzon corridor. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
