BCDA Forms Strategic Partnerships with Japanese Firms to Advance Economic Zones

Tokyo, Japan – The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has successfully secured two pivotal agreements with Japanese organizations aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and investment prospects of various economic zones in the Philippines, including the John Hay Special Economic Zone and New Clark City.

According to Philippines News Agency, the first agreement, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Zip Infrastructure Co. Ltd., focuses on assessing the feasibility of a self-driven cable car system in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. This MOU was signed by BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang and Zip Infrastructure CEO Takamasa Suchi, with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and other dignitaries present. The agreement stipulates that Zip Infrastructure will conduct a feasibility study on the operations and maintenance of its Zippar cable car system, which offers automated, curve-navigating transport solutions that could alleviate urban traffic congestion and improve accessibility.

The second deal, a three-year partnership with the Organization for Public-Private Partnerships Promotion Support (OPPS) of Japan, aims to enhance investment opportunities in New Clark City and other BCDA zones. The MOU, signed by Bingcang and OPPS Vice President Kimikazu Uemura, seeks to foster information exchange and business opportunities between public and private sectors and identify suitable partnership models for Japanese companies interested in investing in diverse areas such as housing, estate management, sports facility operations, and smart city developments.

These agreements are part of the BCDA’s broader strategy to attract international investments and technology to improve the infrastructure and investment climate in its economic zones, thereby promoting sustainable development and economic growth.