In a significant move toward bolstering regional economic growth, French businessman Hervé Thomas, head of the renowned international firm Terciel Services, conducted an exploratory mission to Zamboanga City to evaluate high-impact investment opportunities.
The visit, facilitated and backed by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), underscores Zamboanga’s rising profile as a premier destination for foreign capital and large-scale infrastructure development.
During a high-level recent meeting, city officials presented a comprehensive investment profile to Mr. Thomas, highlighting the city’s unique position as a gateway to the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) region. Discussions centered on Zamboanga’s logistical advantages, burgeoning tourism sector, and its potential for modernized transport hubs.
Mayor Khymer Olaso expressed strong optimism regarding the visit, noting that international collaboration is the cornerstone of the city’s future.
“Our administration is committed to transforming Zamboanga into a competitive global player,” said Mayor Olaso. “Engaging with experts like Terciel Services allows us to leverage world-class experience to ensure our long-term growth is both sustainable and visionary.”
Terciel Services brings a formidable track record of international expertise, specifically in aviation, airspace design, and complex infrastructure. Mr. Thomas shared insights from the firm’s recent global portfolio, which includes:
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Bogotá, Colombia: A strategic positioning study for a second international airport.
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Hmelek, New Caledonia: The development framework for an entirely new aviation hub.
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Lifou Wanaham Airport: Leading the ongoing transformation of the facility into a full-scale international gateway.
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Pakistan: Executing complex airspace restructuring within challenging mountainous terrains.
The firm’s specialized knowledge in airport planning and airspace efficiency aligns with Zamboanga’s goals to modernize its own transit capabilities to meet increasing commercial demand.
This diplomatic and business engagement signals a shift in the investment landscape of Mindanao. With the support of MinDA, Zamboanga City is increasingly viewed by European investors as a stable and lucrative environment for infrastructure and logistics ventures.
The visit by Terciel Services is expected to pave the way for more detailed feasibility studies and technical exchanges, positioning Zamboanga as a central node for business and tourism in the southern Philippines.
