Global logistics operator Federal Express Corp. (FedEx) said it will expand its operations to Clark in Pampanga but clarified it has no plans of transferring its Asia-Pacific hub from China to the Philippines.
“FedEx is not relocating and has no plans to relocate its Asia Pacific Hub,” FedEx said in a statement issued after news reports quoted Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez as saying that the logistics service provider would be transferring its Asia-Pacific hub to the Philippines.
“They are moving out of China. I assume it has something to do with the trade war or it is part of their strategy that they see that the Philippines is the center in Asia,” Romualdez was quoted by media after a recent media briefing in Washington, D.C.
FedEx said the articles quoting Romualdez “appeared to imply that FedEx is relocating its Asian Hub to the Philippines and is moving out of China.”
“This is unequivocally incorrect,” it said.
While it has no plans to relocate its hub, FedEx said it intends to expand its operations to Clark. The logistics operator previously had its hub in Subic, Zambales before transferring to China in 2009.
“Our planned operations in Clark will enable us to better serve our customers in the Philippines and are part of our ongoing expansion throughout the Asia-Pacific region as our business continues to grow,” the company said.
“FedEx is committed to the Asia-Pacific region, including our customers and employees in both China and the Philippines, and we continue to consider opportunities and make strategic investments to expand our service, enhance our network and provide greater global connectivity,” the company stated.
Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and chief executive officer Vivencio Dizon, in a separate statement, confirmed FedEx’s plan to locate in Clark.
“We have been talking to FedEx and as far as we know, this move is not because of any plans to move out of China, but rather, a part of its ongoing expansion throughout the Asia-Pacific region. We are not however at liberty to disclose any details of the ongoing talks at this time,” Dizon said.
“FedEx will be a welcome addition to the growing number of locators in Clark, signifying its position as a strong growth driver not just in Central Luzon but in the country as well,” Dizon said.
