MANILA: Pakistan’s Sazgar Engineering Works Limited has entered the Philippine market by establishing a three-wheeler manufacturing and assembly plant near Manila. The facility marks the company’s first production site outside Pakistan.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated the plant on Friday in Biñan, a city in Laguna province.
Marcos said the investment would strengthen the country’s industrial sector and support the wider adoption of electric vehicles.
The plant will have an annual assembly capacity of around 12,000 three-wheelers, including electric and conventional engine-powered models, the president said.
Initially, electric rickshaws will account for 60% of production, while conventional models will make up the remaining 40%. However, the share of electric vehicles is expected to rise as market demand grows and the industry develops.
The project is also expected to create jobs for Filipinos and generate business opportunities for local suppliers. These include companies producing batteries, glass, vehicle interiors, rubber products and lubricants.
Marcos said locally produced parts and services would initially account for at least 25% of each vehicle’s total value. He added that the company was expected to increase local sourcing and gradually expand domestic production of vehicle components.
Moreover, the plant will serve as a production hub for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Sazgar selected the Philippines for its first overseas manufacturing facility to gain access to markets across Southeast Asia.
The electric rickshaws will travel between 100 and 210 kilometres on a full charge, depending on battery capacity. They will take approximately six to eight hours to recharge fully.
According to Marcos, electric rickshaws will reduce drivers’ fuel costs and help the Philippines lower its dependence on imported fuel.
The plant is a joint venture between Sazgar and Philippine investors. Marcos said local investors hold a 60% ownership stake in the company.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Asma Rabbani, also congratulated Sazgar on the development. According to the Pakistani Embassy in Manila, it helped the company enter the Philippine market.
Pakistan-made three-wheelers have entered the Philippine market! 🇵🇰🤝🇵🇭
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the assembly plant of Pakistan’s Sazgar Engineering Works Limited.
Facilitated by the Embassy of 🇵🇰, Sazgar is introducing its passenger, commercial three-wheelers and electric vehicles (EVs).
H.E. Dr.@AsimaRabbani , Ambassador of 🇵🇰 to 🇵🇭, congratulated the company on this achievement.
@mincompk
@tdap_official
@PkPublicDiplo— Pakistan Embassy Philippines (@PakinPhl) October 30, 2026
The company plans to introduce three-wheelers for passenger and commercial use, along with electric vehicles.
Marcos said the investment aligned with the Philippines’ electric vehicle industry roadmap. The country aims to increase electric vehicles to 50% of its total vehicle fleet by 2040.
He also urged Sazgar to expand its local supply chain and work with Filipino manufacturers. The government, he added, would support the company’s efforts to increase local production.
