Taipei: Taiwan has emerged as the 8th top investor in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Special Economic Zones, as confirmed by an official in a recent interview. PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga shared insights with CNA in early October, highlighting the growing Taiwanese investment footprint in these zones.
According to Focus Taiwan, 84 Taiwanese companies had already invested in the 431 economic zones under PEZA as of December 2024. These economic zones host over 4,300 investments across various sectors, including manufacturing, information technology (IT), agro-processing, and tourism. Taiwanese companies have contributed over US$593.04 million in investments, generating US$872 million in export revenues and creating over 28,000 jobs.
Taiwanese firms are predominantly involved in electronics, precision components, advanced manufacturing, and IT sectors. Notable companies such as Sunon, AcBel, Sercom, Adapter Tech, and ASE have established a significant presence. Additionally, firms engaged in fabricated metal, rubber, plastic, and paper products have also gained prominence.
“Taiwan now ranks 8th among PEZA’s top investors, and there is still massive potential to grow,” stated Panga. He further revealed that a PEZA delegation to Taiwan in late August 2025 successfully attracted two new Taiwanese electronics firms to the Philippines. One company has committed to investing between US$5 million and US$6 million in Batangas, aiming to create around 300 jobs by the end of 2025. The second company plans to establish a video products operation, targeting US$90 million in exports within three years.
Panga emphasized the strong partnership with Taiwanese investors, who are among the top locators in electronics, precision components, ICT, and advanced manufacturing. PEZA offers business facilitation services, including fast-tracking permits and customs clearances, and linking Taiwanese companies with infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, and skilled workforce solutions within the ecozones.
PEZA is particularly interested in attracting Taiwanese companies specializing in semiconductors and electronics, precision manufacturing, medical devices, and renewable-energy-related manufacturing. Taiwan’s expertise in these industries aligns well with the Philippines’ labor and location advantages.
The director-general highlighted the excitement for further collaborations as the Philippines embarks on its “Industry 4.0” initiative, focusing on manufacturing and ecozone developments in rural areas. Taiwanese companies have found profitability in PEZA ecozones due to the skilled labor force and strategic location of the Philippines, along with a strong policy environment that supports global supply-chain realignments.