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CLARK
FREEPORT—Clark Development Corp. (CDC) president Levy
Laus expressed optimism for the new year, saying that
2008 “will be a very big, big year for Clark.”
Laus,
who issued the statement in a meeting at the Fontana
Convention Center here recently, was referring to the
projected income to be derived from committed
investments already signed by investors with CDC.
“Next
year will be a big, big year for
Clark. This, I can say, given the amount of committed investments
that have been signed the previous year,” Laus said,
adding that even 2009 and 2010 will be big years for
this free port.
Laus
cited the entry of Texas Instruments (TI), which is
expected to infuse investments and create job
opportunities for residents of the Metro Clark area and
adjacent provinces.
He said
about 1,500 construction workers are now rushing to
construct TI’s facilities, which are expected to be
operational by August 2008.
The CDC
chief also cited the entry of TI’s global suppliers,
“which will add to the number of investments at
Clark.”
“This is
expected to draw corollary businesses in the Clark
Freeport and adjoining areas,” he said.
At the
same time, Laus also anticipates a surge in employment,
saying that from Clark’s current work force of 55,000,
the number is expected to increase to 70,000 in 2008.
He added
that Clark has about 7,000 call-center agents from at
least 10 business-process outsourcing (BPO) and
call-center firms operating here.
He noted
that the number of call- center agents is expected to
double next year, citing the entry of another BPO firm
whose facilities is undergoing construction. Clark’s
image as a tourism haven has also gained momentum in
2007, Laus said, citing that Clark will be hosting the
1st Clark International Marathon this month.
Also
included on Clark’s tourism lineup for 2008 are
concerts, one of which will feature a performance by Lea
Salonga at the Clark Expo, as well as the 12th Hot Air
Balloon Fiesta and the qualifying finals for the Milo
Marathon, among others. |
