Philippines plans development of SEZ, with Singapore-inspired housing and aviation hub

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan (centre) speaks to the Philippines’ Bases Conversion and Development Authority chairman Delfin Lorenzana (left) and Clark Development Corporation president and CEO Agnes Devanadera (right) at the Clark Freeport and SEZ in Pampanga, Philippines on April 17. - ST PHOTO: MARA CEPEDA

CLARK, Pampanga: Plans are afoot to further develop a special economic zone (SEZ) north of Philippine capital Manila by introducing affordable housing inspired by Singapore’s HDB flats and developing an existing civil aviation complex into a global hub a la Changi Airport.

Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who wraps up a four-day visit to the Philippines on Thursday (April 18), said the Republic looks forward to exchanging ideas with the Philippines as the latter seeks to bring them to fruition.