From Subic Bay and Clark through Manila to Batangas
The LEC stretches from Subic Bay and Clark through Manila to Batangas, covering an economic area that accounts for about half of the Philippines’ gross domestic product.
The partnership aims to improve connectivity, strengthen supply chains and create jobs by coordinating investments in major infrastructure and industrial sectors.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, Japanese Chargé d’affaires ad interim Minister Ono Sho, US Ambassador Lee Lipton and United States Trade and Development Agency Deputy Director and chief operating officer Thomas Hardy attended the forum.
The event also showcased investment opportunities and brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors as the corridor seeks to attract more international participation.
Expanded beyond Phl-US-Japan framework
Beyond its original Philippine-US-Japan framework, the LEC has expanded to include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Spain.
Ono said broader stakeholder engagement would help deepen understanding of the corridor’s potential and encourage greater participation in its development. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the smooth progress of existing businesses as a foundation for further investment promotion.
Aligned with Japan’s ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ initiative
The LEC is aligned with Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” initiative, which promotes high-quality investment anchored on sustainability and the rule of law.
The three core partners reaffirmed their commitment to work with other participating countries to accelerate economic growth and improve connectivity across Luzon.
