The Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) initiative is set to welcome a new European partner next month, according to Finance Secretary Frederick Go.
‘One more European country is set to become the newest addition to the LEC,’ Go said during the 2026 EJAP Economic Forum yesterday.
Go told reporters that the new partner would be announced during the inaugural LEC Investment Forum in Manila scheduled on Sept. 10 and 11.
In a statement, the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) said the forum is expected to bring together 600 international investors, industry leaders, project developers and government officials to present opportunities in the LEC.
Launched by the Philippines, United States and Japan in April 2024, the LEC is an initiative that aims to enhance infrastructure connectivity, promote sustainable industrial development and drive inclusive growth across Luzon’s key growth centers.
The LEC, which links Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas, represents the country’s largest economic engine.
In particular, the LEC accounts for about 50 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. It also serves as a hub for manufacturing, logistics and trade.
Earlier this year, the LEC initiative gained more support through the addition of new members such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
To date, the Philippines has 10 partners in the LEC initiative.
During the event, investment opportunities on advanced manufacturing, digital connectivity, energy, transportation and logistics and private capital?and financing will be presented.
It will also feature infrastructure projects that are ready for financing.
Apart from the forum, there will be site visits to prospective projects at Subic Bay, Clark and Batangas.
‘America’s leadership in the Indo-Pacific is built on trusted partnerships and a shared commitment to secure, high-quality infrastructure,’ USTDA’s deputy director Thomas Hardy said.
‘The LEC Investment Forum brings together the US, Japan, the Philippines and partner nations from across the world around one goal: turning priority projects into commercial reality, while advancing our collective vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,’ Hardy added.