Clark, Philippines – The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) is looking to the Netherlands for guidance on developing the Clark National Food Hub, aiming to replicate Dutch success in agricultural logistics and technology. Last week, CIAC President and CEO Arrey Perez was part of a Philippine delegation that traveled to Amsterdam for a market sensing and observation mission.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the visit, the delegation met with officials from the Netherlands' Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality who shared insights into their country's advanced agrologistics systems. The Dutch officials emphasized the importance of delivering products to consumers under optimal conditions using modern, technology-assisted logistics management, quality control, and efficient transaction facilitation.
Michiel Sweers, the Dutch Director-General for Foreign Economic Relations, highlighted the Netherlands' position as a leading center for agricultural trade and technological innovation. Known as the second-largest exporter of agricultural products and a major logistics hub in Europe, the Netherlands provides a model of efficiency and innovation that the Clark National Food Hub aspires to emulate.
The Clark National Food Hub, a 60-hectare development within the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, is designed to be the Philippines' premier wholesale market and distribution center for high-value and top-quality food products. The project, with an estimated cost of PHP 8.5 billion, represents a significant step towards the vision of transforming the area into an Airport City, contributing to national development.
Perez stated that the National Food Hub is a flagship project for CIAC, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the country's food security and economic growth through improved infrastructure and logistics.