Limay zone draws weapons firms

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 24): Limay zone draws weapons firms

The Government Arsenal (GA) in Limay town is set to be converted into an economic zone that is being eyed to become a production hub in Southeast Asia for military and police equipment, according to Bataan Governor Albert S. Garcia.

Separately, the GA said in a statement issued by the Investor Relations Office (IRO) late Monday that “manufacturers of weapons, ammunition, force protection equipment and even military vehicle parts from Canada, United States of America, South Korea and South Africa have already expressed interest in setting up operations within GA’s property soon after it is declared an economic zone.”

On the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation senior finance officials’ meetings and workshops held recently in Bagac, Bataan, Garcia told reporters the 340-hectare GA currently under the Department of National Defense is poised to be the first defense economic zone in Southeast Asia. At present, the facility churns out the basic weaponry and ammunition needs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The governor explained that during his last term as a Bataan representative in the Lower House, he was able to push for the enactment of a law to modernize the GA in line with ongoing AFP modernization initiatives.

“There is a provision that allows the government arsenal to become a defense economic zone,” Garcia said.

According to Garcia, a presidential proclamation is expected to be issued by August to facilitate the grant of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to investors under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza).

Once converted into an economic zone, it will be called the GA Defense Industrial Estate or Gadie.

“It’s going to be the first special economic zone intended only for defense, particularly for the manufacture of weapons and ammunitions. The master development plan for the Gadie has already been approved by the Secretary of National Defense in principle and we’re just awaiting our accreditation from Peza,” AFP retired major general Jonathan Martir, who currently serves as GA’s director, was quoted by the IRO as saying.

http://business.inquirer.net/194014/limay-zone-draws-weapons-firms