Belgian prince eyes investing in RP

A Belgium-based company is exploring the possibility of putting up a huge business venture in the country, starting off with a convention center at Clark Field in Pampanga.

Prince Adrian de Merode, chairman and chief executive officer of Beauwall Co., arrived in Manila yesterday to personally determine the kind of investments the company would put up in the country.

He is also to assess the project studies that have already been made by the company’s local affiliate in Manila, and to see for himself the exact location of the proposed project at the former American Air Base.

At a press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II, the visiting Belgian prince disclosed that the proposed convention center, complete with family recreation and entertainment centers will rise on a 35,000-hectare facility in Clarkfield.

"We have already made a thorough feasibility study on our proposed investment project here by considering all aspects of the venture, including security," Merode said.

By March, he said, Beauwall would announce if their business venture would push through.

If the proposed project goes through without any hitch, Merode said it would employ some 200,000 Filipino workers and would benefit an additional one million down the line.

Beauwall, he disclosed, is also thinking of putting up an airline, which would take care of the travel needs of people who will visit the convention center.