Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines, United States, and Japan announced the expansion of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) partnership to include eight additional countries in a major push to strengthen infrastructure, connectivity, and supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region.
Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom formally joined the initiative, which was first launched in April 2024 as the first Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment corridor in the Indo-Pacific.
The Luzon Economic Corridor links Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas through coordinated investments in transport infrastructure, energy systems, digital connectivity, and advanced manufacturing supply chains.
Finance Secretary Frederick Go, co-chairperson of the LEC Steering Committee, said the expansion reflects growing international support for the project.
“The expansion of the LEC partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration among likeminded nations committed to transparency and shared prosperity,” Go said.
“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,” he added.
The participating countries pledged support through technical assistance, financing, and private sector investments focused on transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure.
Australia said it would support investments through technical assistance programs and a new ₱1.9-billion partnership with the Philippines on inclusive economic growth.
Denmark announced initiatives aimed at revitalizing Philippine shipbuilding and green maritime innovation, with projects expected to generate around 10,000 jobs.
France said it would finance 100 bridges in the Philippines through official development assistance and support investments in the aeronautics sector.
Italy pledged additional public financial support to facilitate investments in transportation, semiconductors, and manufacturing projects.
South Korea committed funding for transport and digital connectivity projects, including a ₱1.5-billion grant for the establishment of a National Cyber Security Center and support for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport modernization public-private partnership project.
Sweden will provide a ₱74-million grant for a feasibility study on the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas freight railway system.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom said it would deploy up to ₱411 billion in export finance and investment support for infrastructure and energy projects under the corridor initiative.
Ambassador Heather Variava, US senior advisor for economic, energy, and business affairs, said the expanded partnership would help promote strategic infrastructure development in the region.
“This initiative is creating real opportunities for US business, our Philippine partners, and investors across the Indo-Pacific while countering exploitative infrastructure practices with a better alternative,” Variava said.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya said the project reflects a shared commitment to transparency, sustainability, and rules-based development.
“Together, we are building connectivity that will benefit generations of Filipinos and strengthen economic ties across the Indo-Pacific,” Endo said.
