ECCP urges investment push in AI, semiconductors
AT a dialogue on Frontier Innovations and Economic Security held on 15 October 2026, at Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, ECCP members and government representatives discussed investment opportunities in artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors and green technology, as well as the need for reliable energy, infrastructure, financing and consistent policies to attract investments.
Photograph by Mico Virata for DAILY TRIBUNE
The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) has called for stronger coordination between government and industry to attract investments in artificial intelligence (AI), advanced semiconductors and green technology, as global companies reassess supply chains and investment destinations.
At a dialogue in Taguig City on 15 October, ECCP members and representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Board of Investments (BoI) discussed the Philippines’ 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan and Global Tech Corridors.
The discussions covered opportunities in advanced manufacturing, critical mineral processing and AI computing infrastructure, including fiscal incentives for priority activities under the updated SIPP.
DTI Assistant Secretary Kenneth T. Yap said the government aims to increase the Philippines’ share of global semiconductor production to 7 percent, raise information and communications technology design exports to $3 billion, and train up to 128,000 semiconductor professionals by 2030.
For his part, BoI Investments Policy and Planning Service director Sandra Marie S. Recolizado said the updated SIPP seeks to deepen industrial capabilities, encourage technological innovation and move the country toward higher-value manufacturing.
Aligning with international initiatives
Participants also examined how Philippine investment priorities could align with international initiatives, including Pax Silica, the Luzon Economic Corridor and the European Union’s Global Gateway program.
These frameworks cover technology supply chains, transport and energy infrastructure, sustainable development and green investment.
During a panel discussion, industry representatives emphasized the need for reliable energy, infrastructure, financing and consistent policies to convert investment priorities into operating projects.
Moving energy and infrastructure together
“There is a whole value chain here which is very interconnected, and it moves energy and infrastructure together,” said Teymour Benet, head of data centers, Southeast Asia development at ACCIONA. He said effective management of the country’s energy momentum could help attract digital infrastructure investments.
ING Bank’s Nic Chua said banks were ready to finance projects, provided they had clear information on investment plans and timelines.
SGV’s Alden C. Labaguis also noted that businesses could explore incentives beyond existing tax benefits.