The Governments of the Philippines, United States, and Japan, on May 11 announced the expansion of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) partnership, welcoming Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom as new partners in the strategic initiative.
Launched in April 2024 as the first Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) corridor in the Indo-Pacific, the Luzon Economic Corridor aims to strengthen connectivity among Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. The initiative focuses on coordinated investments in transport infrastructure, energy systems, digital connectivity, and advanced manufacturing supply chains.
Officials said the expanded partnership is expected to generate thousands of high-quality jobs, attract more investments, and accelerate economic transformation across Luzon.
“The expansion of the LEC partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration among valued partners committed to transparency and shared prosperity,” said Frederick D. Go, Co-Chair of the LEC Steering Committee.
“Together, we are building infrastructure that will improve daily life for millions of Filipinos and create new opportunities for businesses, industries, and communities in our partner countries and across the region,” Go added.
The LEC partners reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific through fair, transparent, and sustainable economic development. Participating countries will provide technical assistance, financing support, and private sector investment facilitation while joining working groups focused on transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.
Among the key commitments announced:
- Australia is mobilizing investments through Australia’s Manila Deal Team, backed by technical assistance under its Partnerships for Infrastructure program and a new Php1.9-billion (US$32.6-million) partnership with the Philippines focused on inclusive economic growth.
- Canada is allocating Php89 million (US$1.4 million) for targeted technical assistance projects jointly identified with the Philippine government, while also connecting potential Canadian investors to opportunities within the LEC.
- Denmark is supporting the revitalization of the Philippine shipbuilding industry through green maritime innovation and sustainable industrial development initiatives expected to create up to 10,000 jobs.
- France is strengthening regional connectivity by financing 100 bridges through official development assistance and supporting industrial capacity-building projects in the aeronautics sector.
- Italy is expanding support for resilient and sustainable infrastructure projects by increasing public financial backing aimed at encouraging private investments in transport, semiconductors, and manufacturing.
- Republic of Korea is enhancing transport and digital connectivity through Official Development Assistance and Public-Private Partnership initiatives, including a Php1.5-billion (US$25.6-million) grant for the establishment of the National Cyber Security Center and support for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport modernization project.
- Sweden is contributing Php74 million (US$1.2 million) for a feasibility study covering signaling systems and operational models for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas freight railway project.
- The United Kingdom is deploying its Growth and Investment Partnerships (GIP+) toolkit, which includes technical assistance, Php411 billion (US$6.8 billion) in export finance, and capital mobilization for infrastructure and energy developments.
“The expansion of the Luzon Economic Corridor partnership shows what we can accomplish when like-minded nations unite around strategic infrastructure and shared prosperity,” said Heather Variava.
“This initiative is creating real opportunities for U.S. businesses, our Philippine partners, and investors across the Indo-Pacific while offering a transparent and sustainable alternative for infrastructure development,” Variava added.
Meanwhile, Endo Kazuya emphasized the shared vision behind the initiative.
“This expanded partnership reflects our shared commitment to quality infrastructure development grounded in transparency, sustainability, and the rule of law,” Kazuya said. “Together, we are building connectivity that will benefit generations of Filipinos and strengthen economic ties across the Indo-Pacific.”
The Luzon Economic Corridor is seen as a major platform for both domestic and international investors seeking opportunities in transformative infrastructure, supply chain resilience, and regional connectivity projects.