Taiwanese crystalline silicon cell manufacturer Gintech Energy announced that it has become an exclusive cell supplier of Solar Philippines, which has initially placed a 200MW cell production order. Solar Philippines has built a new solar cell module production facility in Santo Tomas, the Philippines, and Gintech has been invited to the company's groundbreaking ceremony. In line with the Tsai government's New Southbound Policy, Gintech has been aggressive in venturing into ASEAN markets and has made some progress by opening a 350MW cell plant in Thailand for USD45 million in 2016. Solar Philippines stated that its new plant will ensure the stable and low-cost supply of electricity across the region, reduce the local household electricity cost by 30%, and create about 50,000 job opportunities.