Spain-based firms to help develop food, cold chain hub in Aurora

Spain-based firms are set to assist in developing a food and cold chain logistics hub inside the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) in Casiguran, Aurora.

APECO president and CEO Gil Taway said the project, which will cover five to 10 hectares, was among the key topics discussed with Spanish engineering firm IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture S.A.U., and event organizer Fira Barcelona during an investment mission to Spain from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3.

A working group will be formed within 60 days to draft a memorandum of agreement and finalize the list of projects with the two firms.

Taway said APECO proposed that IDOM conduct a feasibility study for a food and logistics hub modeled after Mercabarna, a 100-hectare wholesale and logistics complex developed by the Barcelona City government.

He added that IDOM also offered to help APECO connect with potential partners, including the Asian Development Bank, for investment-ready projects.

“IDOM’s proposal aligns with our goal to make Casiguran the Fishing Capital of the Pacific and to boost agricultural output while promoting value-adding activities for Aurora’s agri-based industries,” Taway said. “This partnership can help us build the infrastructure backbone that supports food security, investment, and job creation.”

APECO officials also met with Fira Barcelona CEO Ricard Zapatero to explore a possible collaboration for a world-class convention center inside the ecozone.

“Our meetings with Fira Barcelona and IDOM opened concrete opportunities for collaboration that align with APECO’s master development plan,” Taway said. “These partnerships can help bring world-class infrastructure and investment to Casiguran.”