US deepens Luzon corridor partnership
ECONOMIC HUB The Subic Bay Freeport, its port facilities shown in this photo taken last year, is one of the four major hubs under the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative aimed at strengthening infrastructure, logistics, and supply-chain connectivity across Luzon. The corridor is backed by the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and several international partners. —JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines — The United States has strengthened efforts toward deepening the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) partnership that could make its former military base here a key trade and investment platform.
A delegation from the US Embassy for the LEC Steering Committee visited this free port on Wednesday to strengthen coordination on investment and infrastructure initiatives aimed at boosting regional growth across northern and southern Luzon.
In a statement on Thursday, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said that the US delegation engaged in a series of meetings with Philippine officials and business leaders focused on expanding cooperation under the LEC framework.
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The delegation was headed by Ambassador Heather Variava, senior advisor for economic, energy, and business affairs.
The delegation met with officials of the SBMA, headed by Chair and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño, to discuss ongoing and future development priorities aligned with the LEC initiative.
The LEC is a multibillion-dollar economic partnership designed to enhance infrastructure, logistics, and supply chain connectivity among four key hubs—Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas—positioned as a unified growth spine for Luzon’s industrial and trade expansion.
FORGING TIES Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials, led by Chair and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño (third from left), welcome US Ambassador Heather Variava (second from right), senior advisor for economic, energy, and business affairs, and head of delegation for the Luzon Economic Corridor Steering Committee, during her visit to the Subic Bay Freeport on May 13. —SBMA PHOTO
Key hub
“This ambitious venture will strengthen infrastructure, supply chains, and green energy across Subic, Clark, Manila and Batangas. It is most timely that Her Excellency Heather Variava and her delegation visit us now, as the Luzon Economic Corridor gains momentum through international partnerships and expanded economic engagement,” Aliño said.
He added that planned projects involving railway connectivity, port modernization, clean energy systems, and semiconductor supply chains are expected to further reinforce Subic Bay’s position as a key logistics and manufacturing hub in the region.
Variava’s visit forms part of ongoing coordination efforts with the Philippine government and private sector to advance strategic infrastructure and investment priorities under the LEC, while also encouraging streamlined regulatory processes to strengthen investor confidence and support sustainable growth across the corridor.
Jobs, connectivity
The visit comes days after the formal announcement in Manila on Monday, expanding the LEC partnership beyond its original members—the Philippines, United States and Japan—to include Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
First launched in April 2024 as the first Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment corridor in the Indo-Pacific, the LEC aims to transform Luzon into a more connected and competitive economic zone through coordinated investments in transport infrastructure, energy systems, digital networks and manufacturing supply chains.
The program is expected to generate thousands of jobs while improving regional connectivity.
Under the expanded framework, partner countries have committed targeted support across key infrastructure and industrial sectors.
Australia is mobilizing investment and inclusive growth initiatives, while Denmark is advancing green maritime innovation and shipbuilding development.
France is financing bridge construction and supporting aeronautics industry capacity building, and Italy is backing investments in transport systems, semiconductors and manufacturing.
Korea is contributing to enhanced digital connectivity, transport projects, and cybersecurity initiatives, while Sweden is funding feasibility studies for freight railway systems.
The United Kingdom is deploying financing and investment tools to support major infrastructure and energy projects across the corridor. /cb
