P&A Grant Thornton teams up with BCDA, PEZA on investor push

Insider Spotlight

• P&A Grant Thornton struck separate partnerships with BCDA and PEZA within days
• BCDA will develop an investor playbook covering tax, regulatory and business requirements
• PEZA will tap the firm for training and guidance for employees and registered enterprises
  
  
  

P&A Grant Thornton is expanding its role in the Philippine economic zone ecosystem through separate partnerships with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), targeting investor guidance and enterprise development.

The accounting and advisory firm signed agreements with the two government agencies within four days, giving it roles ranging from helping prospective investors navigate BCDA developments to strengthening the capabilities of businesses operating in PEZA zones.

Why it matters

BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang and P&A Grant Thornton chair and managing partner Romualdo V. Murcia III signed an agreement on July 26 to develop the “Doing Business with BCDA Investment Playbook.”

The guide will provide local and foreign investors with practical information on the regulatory, tax and business landscape across BCDA economic zones and development areas, a company release said.

The two sides will also explore collaboration in investor engagement, business facilitation and knowledge-sharing.

Four days later

P&A Grant Thornton expanded that push on July 30 by signing a separate agreement with PEZA, with Murcia and PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga formalizing a knowledge-sharing partnership through the PEZA Academy.

The firm will provide expertise on accounting, audit, taxation, compliance, advisory and other business topics to PEZA employees and registered business enterprises.

“By sharing our experience and expertise, we hope to contribute to PEZA’s continuous efforts to empower its registered enterprises, enhance their competitiveness, and create lasting value for the broader business community,” Murcia said.  

The bigger picture

The two partnerships address different stages of the investment cycle. The BCDA initiative targets companies evaluating opportunities, while the PEZA partnership focuses partly on enterprises already operating within economic zones.

“Beyond enhancing individual capabilities, this partnership contributes to PEZA's broader mission of fostering a competitive and investment-friendly business environment. A well-equipped workforce and well-informed enterprises translate into better services, stronger governance, and greater confidence among investors—qualities that reinforce the Philippines' position as a preferred investment destination,” Panga said.

Taken together, the agreements position P&A Grant Thornton as a private-sector knowledge partner supporting government efforts to make Philippine economic zones easier for investors and enterprises to navigate. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma