State-owned National Development Co. (NDC) has widened its ownership to 36 percent in the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) after pouring in additional PHP140 million for the PHP3 billion-expansion of the Philippines’ premier trade exhibition facility.
NDC had a robust financial performance in 2025, remitting PHP400 million, including its subsidiaries, to the national treasury in government dividends, enabled the company to invest more for the expansion of the WTCMM. The investment was made through the Manila Exposition Complex Inc. (MECI), operator and developer of the exhibition center.
NDC General Manager Saturnino Mejia said the additional investment brought its total investment to PHP260 million. Following the initial approval on June 3, 2026, the funds were fully disbursed to MECI on June 29, 2026. The expansion project has a total investment value of PHP3 billion. NDC is the investment arm of the government under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Its investments are in pioneering industries.
Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP) and Science Park of the Philippines of Guillermo D. Luchangco and owns the majority stake of MECI while the Philippine Exporters Confederation of the Philippines (PhilExport) owns 18 percent. Other shareholders include Medco Holdings, Inc. of Hong Kong and WTCO.
The PHP3.0 billion expansion project solidifies WTCMM’s position as the premier business and exhibition hub in the Philippines, slated for operational launch by May 2028.
This multi-phase development is strategically allocated into two key components: PHP2.60 billion dedicated to a state-of-the-art hall expansion, and PHP400 million allocated for a high capacity parking building.
Commercial operation of the expanded portion is projected to commence in May 2028. Situated at the heart of Metro Manila—the Philippines’ primary commercial and economic epicenter—WTCMM continues to leverage its unmatched geographical advantage. The venue offers immediate, friction-free access to major government institutions, corporate headquarters, international transit hubs, and a robust ecosystem of supporting industries.
This unique strategic placement provides a competitive edge that cements WTCMM’s market dominance, even as alternative provincial venues begin to emerge.
Established in 1996, MECI serves as the pioneer owner, developer, and operator of the WTCMM, introducing world-class standard exhibition spaces to the Philippines.
Recognized as the undisputed market leader in the Philippine exhibitions industry, consistently maintaining a dominant market share and securing a 70 percent revenue baseline from stable, repeat institutional clients.
The first and only exhibition venue in the Philippines to be globally recognized and accredited as a member of the Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), the global association of the exhibition industry. An elite member of the prestigious international network of over 300 World Trade Centers, holding Premier Accreditation as a flagship center within the Asian region.
NDC, the government’s investment arm, is the Philippine’s leading state-owned enterprise – investing in diverse industries, serving as an effective catalyst for inclusive growth.
As mandated in its Revised Charter (PD 1648) NDC, may on its own, or in joint venture with the private sector, undertake vital projects when necessary or when the private sector is not willing or able to undertake such projects due to high risks or to lack of funds/resources.
