CLARK FREEPORT ZONE – An executive from a global automotive manufacturer and division of the German Company Daimler AG cited Clark’s prime land, infrastructure and rich pool of talents as reasons for locating in Clark.
Heiko Nitsche, chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz Group Services Philippines Incorporated (MBGSP) stated during the inauguration of its new office here on Tuesday (November 28).
This new location, dubbed as Mercedes-Benz Center Clark, is MBGSP’s second site in the Philippines. The first one was established in Cebu around six years ago.
Asked about the reason for establishing a base in Clark, MBGSP Chief Executive said the whole Central Luzon offers a rich pool of talents and a prime land for foreign businesses.
European Union’s (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen and German Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Missions Roland Schissau were among the notable guests in MBGSP Clark’s inaugural ceremony.
“Six years ago, Damlier found Philippines,” Nitsche said, referring to Damlier AG’s Cebu office. As for the newly opened site in Clark, Nitsche said “We have now almost 40 employees here, and we will also grow over the next years.”
Nitsche said the center would serve as a financial, accounting, and consulting base for Mercedes-Benz Group. It will serve customer base in various continents.
For Nitsche, Clark holds a very promising future not only for Mercedes-Benz Group, but also for other European investments.
EU Ambassador Franz Jessen also expressed the same view, saying that the relationship between the Philippines and European countries is ‘getting stronger’ attributing it to good business atmosphere in the country.
“It’s driven by business (referring to Philippines-EU relations) ; it’s not driven by (political) statements. It’s driven by business interests which I think is very good,” said Jessen.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade encouraged more foreign investments in Clark, saying that this Freeport zone is the Philippines’ best.
“Clark is an ideal place and a paradise to do business (in),” said Tugade when he led a toast at the culmination of MBGSP’s inaugural ceremony.