Indian firms eye exclusive ecozone for pharma, biotech

MANILA, Philippines — Indian firms have expressed interest in developing an exclusive economic zone for Indian investments in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

In a statement, PEZA said it recently welcomed a delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Philippines Inc. (FICCI Philippines) and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) - India Business Council to discuss trade, investment and other business opportunities. 

Led by Dawar Footwear Industries chairman Puran Chand Dawar and FICCI Philippines president Vishal Vishnu Hathiramani, the delegation comprises 21 representatives from the solar, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

During the meeting, the PEZA presented the Victoria Industrial Park in Tarlac, which is emerging as a hub for pharmaceutical investments.

PEZA said the delegation expressed strong interest in the park’s available areas, as well as in the potential development of an exclusive Indian economic zone dedicated to pharmaceutical, biotechnology and related industries.

The delegation also explored opportunities for investments, joint ventures, manufacturing and supply-chain partnerships in the country.  

The Philippines is seeing investor interest from Indian firms as the government is looking to strengthen its trade ties with India through a preferential trade agreement.

Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty said during the ASEAN-India Business Forum that the aim is to launch the negotiations for the preferential trade agreement next year.

“Indian industry sees the Philippines not only as a market, but as an important ASEAN partner and a base for regional growth,” Dawar said.

As India brings scale, technology, entrepreneurship and investment capability, he said the Philippines has a skilled workforce, a strategic location and well-developed economic zones. 

“Our message is simple: let us move from broad possibilities to bankable projects and convert this potential into investment, jobs and shared growth,” he said.

For his part, Panga highlighted the growing momentum in India–Philippines economic relations and Indian companies’ strong interest in high-value sectors such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. 

As part of efforts to strengthen and build global supply networks, PEZA is actively engaging Indian companies and encouraging them to invest in the country.

“For PEZA, these investments are crucial to advancing pharmaceutical localization, strengthening our domestic supply chain and contributing to more accessible and affordable medicines for Filipinos,” Panga said.

“We remain committed to turning investment interest into concrete projects that create quality jobs, strengthen strategic industries and deliver long-term value for both economies,” he said.