Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum

On 10 September 2026, the governments of the United States, the Philippines, and Japan hosted the inaugural Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum. The event brought together more than 600 investors, industry leaders, and government officials to mobilize private-sector investment and accelerate commercial partnerships in transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing supply chains. 

The forum was attended by Chargé d'affaires ad interim Minister ONO Sho, Philippine President H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Frederick D. Go, US Ambassador Lee Lipton, and the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Thomas Hardy. 
The LEC is a partnership that accelerates coordinated investment to create jobs and advance a more connected, competitive, and prosperous Luzon. Led by the Philippines, United States, and Japan, and with a growing group of partner nations, the LEC focuses investment in transportation and logistics, energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing along the economic corridor from Subic Bay and Clark through Manila to Batangas, a region representing 50 percent of the Philippines’ GDP.  Together, these create new opportunities for businesses and workers, strengthen economic security and supply chains, and help make the Philippines an even more competitive destination for global investment. 

As the LEC continues to attract strong interest from the public and private sectors not only of Japan but of other countries as well, the LEC Investment Forum highlighted the Corridor’s immense economic and strategic value. The forum also served as an important platform to showcase diverse investment opportunities and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.  
 
Global interest in the LEC continues to grow.  The LEC partnership now includes Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Spain.   

Chargé d'affaires ad interim Minister Ono expressed his hopes that the forum would deepen understanding of the LEC’s potential among a broader range of stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, while fostering greater engagement in its development. Furthermore, he emphasized that smooth progress of existing businesses is crucial for expanding investment promotion. The Luzon Economic Corridor is closely aligned with the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" initiative, aiming to promote high-quality investment with sustainability and the rule of law. 

As trilateral partners, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, reaffirmed their commitment to work together and collaborate with other valued partners to further accelerate the Philippines’ economic growth and enhance connectivity.