The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has stated that a Taiwanese electric vehicle manufacturer is exploring plans to establish a production facility in one of the country's economic zones, with an initial investment of approximately US$ 25 million.

The identity of the EV manufacturer has not been disclosed so far.

The development follows an investment mission to Taipei held from March 16th to March 19th, led by PEZA Director General Tereso Panga and Philippine Trade and Investment Center Taipei Director Anthony Rivera. The visit followed a similar initiative conducted in February in collaboration with AyalaLand Logistics Holdings.

During the mission, the delegation met potential investors across sectors including Enhanced Messaging Service-Short Message Service, environmental and automotive technologies, and cold storage. Discussions focused on establishing operations in the Philippines and expanding offshore activities within PEZA ecozones.

"As a result of these meetings, a manufacturer of electric vehicle buses is considering establishing a manufacturing facility in the Philippines, possibly injecting a capital investment of approximately US$ 25 million," PEZA stated on March 31st.

In addition, a food manufacturer is evaluating plans to build a facility within the ecozones, indicating interest in the Philippines as a "plus one" destination for offshore investments.

Despite global economic headwinds, PEZA stated that the Philippines remains a location for investment expansion, supported by procedures and coordination with government and industry stakeholders.

As of December 2025, PEZA has registered 71 Taiwanese companies that have collectively invested more than PHP 45 billion (US$ 747 million) and generated over 20,000 direct jobs nationwide.

A key component of the mission was the Philippine Investment Forum in Taipei, co-organised by PEZA, the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre Taipei, and ecozone partners, which attracted more than 100 participants from Taiwanese firms across various industries.

In her keynote address, Manila Economic and Cultural Office Chairperson and Resident Representative Corazon Avecilla-Padiernos referred to trade ties between the Philippines and Taiwan, while noting the country's economic performance despite global challenges.

"As the economic path, the Philippines is expected to grow from 6.5%-8% until 2028, and there is an expectation to continue collaboration with Taiwan, with Taiwan industries invited to participate in this growth path in the Philippines. This approach reflects an understanding that investment requires policies, infrastructure, human capital, and private sector collaboration," she said.

Panga referred to the role of Philippine ecozones in investment activity, employment generation, and support for both export- and domestic-oriented industries. He also pointed to financial and non-financial incentives under the Create More framework, stating that it is among the tax regimes within ASEAN.

"These tax provisions, along with PEZA's service framework, including its one-stop shop and efforts to reduce administrative processes, are intended to provide operational support to investors," he said.

Also featured at the forum were Danilo C. Lachica, who outlined opportunities in the semiconductor sector, and Jerry Muhi, who discussed workforce development initiatives.

Ecozone developers, including Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, First Philippine Industrial Park, Science Park of the Philippines, Filinvest Innovation Park, and Philtai Industrial Park, presented their facilities, including infrastructure, locations, and support services available to investors.