Clark Freeport exports hit $2.663 billion in first half of 2026

PNA File Photo

The Clark Freeport generated $2.663 billion in exports and supported 151,593 jobs in the first half of 2026, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) said, underscoring the zone’s growing role as an investment and employment hub.

CDC released the figures following a visit by officials from the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), who studied the Freeport’s investor facilitation practices, including land management, workforce matching and business expansion.

Clark hosts more than 1,200 registered locators across manufacturing, electronics, logistics, business process outsourcing, aviation and tourism, among other industries, according to CDC data.

The BEZA-JICA delegation sought insights into how CDC matches businesses with suitable sites, monitors investor commitments, connects locators with workers and addresses operational concerns.

CDC vice president for business development Noelle Mina Meneses said attracting investment is only the first step in developing a competitive economic zone.

“Attracting investors is one challenge. Helping them stay, expand, and hopefully bring more investors with them, that is the real work we do in economic zones,” Meneses said.

She said CDC continuously reviews its processes to identify bottlenecks and simplify transactions for locators.

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority executive member for investment promotions Saleh Ahmed presented Bangladesh’s One Stop Service platform and other investor facilitation measures, allowing both sides to exchange experiences in managing diversified economic zones and improving investor services.

The delegation also toured the Clark Freeport and visited Meisei Electric (Phils.) Corp. to gain firsthand insight into the zone’s investment environment and operations. — Othel V. Campos

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