Aboitiz, Yuchengco get PCC clearance for Tarlac economic zone expansion

THE Aboitiz and Yuchengco groups have secured clearance from the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to move forward with the expansion of their economic zone venture in Tarlac.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. said the clearance enables the two parties to formalize definitive agreements for TARI Estate, their joint venture covering a 184-hectare (ha) property owned by HI subsidiary Tarlac Terra Ventures Inc.

The development will expand TARI Estate to a total of 384 ha.

Under the joint venture, the Yuchengco group’s House of Investments holds a 51-percent stake. Aboitiz Economic Estates owns 49 percent and serves as the exclusive provider of project management, estate operations, and general support services.

TARI Estate is a Philippine Economic Zone Authority-registered special economic zone anchored by Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines and Ajinomoto Philippines Corp.

Phase 1 of the project, covering 90 ha, is currently undergoing site development and is expected to be completed in the second half of the year.

Construction for the expansion is set to begin this year and will support light- to medium-scale industries, with on-ground activity expected to continue through 2028.

Phase 1 is fully sold out, while Phase 2 is reportedly drawing interest from both local and foreign locators.

Located near toll roads SCTEX, TPLEX, and CLLEX, as well as Clark International Airport and major seaports, TARI Estate is positioned as Central Luzon’s next industrial hub.