The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is positioning itself to capture a larger share of Southeast Asia’s fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, with Vietnam’s VinFast emerging as a potential new investor as Indonesian automotive manufacturers expand their presence in Philippine economic zones.
PEZA Director-General Tereso Panga said the investment promotion agency is seeing rising interest in ecozones from companies involved in automotive electronics, components manufacturing, and EV-related industries, reflecting the country’s growing appeal as a regional production base.
The momentum follows the entry of two Indonesian-linked automotive firms into Philippine ecozones: Diametral Involute Philippines Inc. and Astra Visteon.
Their investments signal increasing confidence in the Philippines’ manufacturing ecosystem at a time when global automakers are reconfiguring supply chains and expanding production networks across Southeast Asia.
Diametral Involute Philippines, a subsidiary of Indonesia-based Diametral Involute, specializes in machining automotive and industrial components and brings capabilities spanning forging, heat treatment, casting, and precision machining.
Meanwhile, Astra Visteon—a joint venture between Indonesia’s PT Astra Otoparts and US-based Visteon Corporation—manufactures vehicle electronics, including speedometers and infotainment head units, a segment expected to benefit from the growing digitalization of automobiles.
PEZA is now looking to build on that momentum through deeper engagement with Vietnam. Panga said discussions with the Vietnamese Embassy include the possibility of an investment mission involving VinFast, Vietnam’s leading EV manufacturer and part of the Vingroup conglomerate.
While no investment commitment has been announced, PEZA sees opportunities for VinFast to establish EV charging stations and potentially explore the local manufacture of charging equipment, a segment expected to grow as the Philippines gradually expands its electric mobility infrastructure.
The agency’s strategy reflects a broader ambition to move beyond traditional manufacturing and attract investments in higher-value automotive technologies.
By promoting ecozones as hubs for EV assembly, battery-related industries, automotive electronics, and charging infrastructure, PEZA hopes to position the Philippines more prominently within the region’s evolving clean mobility ecosystem.
