Duty Free Shopping in Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City – Philippines

Clark Freeport Zone, located in Angeles City, Pampanga is one of the more popular among the Freeport zones in the country. Formerly known as the Clark Special Zone, it occupies 28,000 hectares of land formerly occupied by the United States Air Force in a time when the Americans established a strong military presence in the country. Clark Air Base was the biggest air force installation of the Americans outside of their country.

Today, Clark is being groomed as a center of operations in the Asian region of various medium-sized and large companies. The Clark Development Corporation was established in order to manage and operate the 2,200 hectares allotted for the Clark Freeport Zone.

Since the establishment of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), the Freeport Zone has experienced a major investment deluge as close to 389 international and local investors have moved their shops and brought in around US$24.33 billion worth of investment. In 2006 alone, companies operating inside the zone have generated US$1 billion worth of exports. It has likewise generated jobs for the residents of neighboring provinces like Bulacan and Tarlac.

Duty free shopping in Clark Freeport Zone can be quite an experience as there are eleven shops to choose from. Aside from that, there is a wide range of bars and restaurants that operate within the Freeport Zone.

With the signing of Executive Order 619 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on April 16, 2007, duty free shopping in Clark Freeport Zone will become more viable. The signing of EO 619 will pave the way for legitimate businesses that will relocate to special economic zones to receive tax and duty incentives. The granting of these duties is similar with those that have been provided by Republic Act 7916.

According to CDC Marketing Manager Raffy Galvez, firms that will move their business to the Clark Freeport Zone would be entitled to receive generous tax breaks from the government. Instead of receiving 32%, the corporate income tax of these companies would be reduced to 5%. Likewise, import of capital equipment and raw materials will be exempted from duties.

As soon as President GMA signs Senate Bill 2260, Clark Freeport Zone will change its name to Clark Freeport Philippines.

For people who will be coming from Metro Manila and other provinces, duty free shopping in Clark Freeport Zone is very convenient. By car, one should take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and make their way to the Dau exit. From there, they should take a left turn going to Angeles City and then right towards Clark. From Manila, the total time of the trip is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

For commuters who want to experience duty free shopping in Clark Freeport Zone as well, there is a bus service terminal at Building A of SM Megamall that plies the Manila to Clark route. The buses leave at 7:00 am and 12:00 pm, respectively.

Duty free shopping in Clark Freeport Zone is likewise accessible through air. The state-of-the-art Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) serves as the main entry point of domestic as well as other airline companies. Passengers arriving from Hong Kong can avail of the various perks and benefits as soon as they arrive at the airport.

In the end, duty free shopping in Clark Freeport Zone can be an exciting experience for shopping enthusiasts.