Philippines: Cagayan export zone to create more jobs in 2009

After a court banned the entry of second-hand cars inside the Freeport last October – a decision that resulted in massive layoffs – the facility now expects to generate new jobs. Positions will be available in the call center industry as well as companies engaged in medical transcription, tourism, shipping and construction industries.

To further hike employment in the zone, a Roll-On-Roll-Off (RORO) vessel – expected to solve sea disaster problems in the area – will soon operate, serving the provinces of Aurora, Isabela, Cagayan and Batanes, the CEZA said.

Construction is also expected to start this year for the second phase of the breakwater project at Port Irene, and the International Airport in Sta. Ana with the involvement of the private sector. A road leading to Anguib Beach, considered as the country’s next Boracay, is also expected to begin this year. The beach includes a golf course.

CEZA is home to two major casino/resort complexes-the Macau based Sun City and Xiamen-based Eastern Hawaii. The zone has also been declared as Asian first and only interactive gaming jurisdiction by the International Association of Gaming Resources.