Taiwan touts Phl as vital ally in Asia’s next major economic corridor

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — A top official of the Taiwan government said the Philippines remains a key partner in strengthening stability, democracy, and regional policy cooperation.

Chen Ming Chi, Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, made the statement at the gala of the Taiwan-Philippines Smart Port Development Forum held at the Hotel Nikko, emphasizing Manila’s strategic importance in the newly announced Philippines–US–Japan Global Economic Corridor.

“This is to strengthen the Philippines' core infrastructure. Taiwan welcomes this initiative. Taiwan aims to align with the strategic objectives of our like-minded partners and deepen our bilateral economic ties with the Philippines,” said Chi.

Announced in April 2025, the trilateral economic corridor seeks to accelerate coordinated investments in high-impact infrastructure projects such as railways, port modernization, clean energy, semiconductor supply chains, and agribusiness—all intended to drive growth and connectivity across key economic hubs.

Chi highlighted that the Luzon Economic Corridor will bolster connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

“Together, the United States, the Philippines, and Japan will accelerate coordinated investments in high-impact infrastructure projects, including rail, ports modernization, clean energy and semiconductor supply chains and deployments, and agribusiness to further connect and drive economic growth in each hub,” he said.

He stressed the growing importance of maritime cooperation, noting Taiwan’s advancements in port automation and AI-driven efficiencies—critical elements for trade, logistics, and tourism between the two economies.

The Taiwan-Philippines Smart Port Development Forum focused on four key areas: sustainable tourism, maritime digital infrastructure, sustainable maritime pathways, and transforming coal into smart fuels.

“I am eager to see your cooperation flourish across this area and beyond, fostering even stronger ties between Taiwan and the Philippines. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the Philippines to Taiwan, not only in security but also economic cooperation,” Chi added.

GTBA backs tourism development push

Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) president Michelle Taylan underscored the vital role of Taiwanese tourists in the Philippines’ ongoing push to become one of Asia’s tourism powerhouses.

She noted the deep cultural links and shared maritime heritage between the two economies.

“Sustainable tourism can connect our oceans, culture, and future, benefiting local communities and preserving our environment. The Philippines is a significant tourism market for Taiwan, with Filipinos topping the list of Southeast Asian visitors,” Taylan said.

As of October 2024, the Philippines recorded 371,593 Filipino tourist arrivals in Taiwan—up 35 percent from the previous year and expected to reach half a million by 2025 due to Taiwan’s strong tourism offerings.

Taylan said the Philippines is on track to become Taiwan’s top Southeast Asian tourism source market in 2024, surpassing Malaysia and Singapore.

The country’s tourism outlook remains robust:

• 10.8% CAGR growth expected from 2025 to 2035

• $38 billion projected tourism value by 2035

• 5.95 million foreign arrivals in 2024 generating ₱760.5 billion in revenue

• Projected 12.6 million foreign visitors by 2028

• Domestic trips expected to rise from 122 million (2019) to 165.8 million (2028)

The sector is also expected to generate 7.2 million jobs by 2028.

The National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028 aims to widen revenue streams, promote sustainability, and expand tourism infrastructure.

Taylan lauded Taiwan’s support in eco-tourism, joint marketing campaigns, cultural exchanges, Mandarin language training, and efforts to improve access through ports and airports such as Currimao Seaport and Laoag International Airport.