Asahi Glass seeks conversion of Pasig plant into a special ecozone

Asahi Glass Philippines Inc. is seeking to convert its 28 hectares plant in Pasig into a special economic zone that would entitle locators to fiscal incentives that include income tax holiday, duty-free importation of capital equipments, employment of foreign nationals and exemption from wharfage due and fees.

AGPI president Renato R. Ermita, said the firm is seeking a resolution from the local government of Pasig to endorse the conversion of the AGPI plant into an ecozone.

As soon as AGPI get the support of the local government of Pasig. Ermita said, it would apply with the Philippine Export Zone Authority (PEZA) for the conversion of its plant into an ecozone.

AGPI, Ermita said, only uses about 60 percent of its 28-hectare property and could thus accommodate potential locators once the property is allowed to convert into an ecozone.

Ermita disclosed that "there are some potential locators already who are not related to the glass industry, but are export-oriented."

Most of the potential locators, he said, are Japanese.

By converting part of the AGPI plant into an ecozone, Ermita said, it would be able to generate more employment that would also result in more taxes both for the local Pasig government as well as for the National Government.

The AGPI plant, Ermita pointed out, is ideal as an ecozone because it already has the necessary power and water supply.

"It is just a matter of offering this to potential locators," Ermita said.