LEC to become ‘world-class eco hub’

The Philippines and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to transform the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) into a “world-class economic hub” aimed at boosting regional growth and strengthening global supply chains.

The commitment was made following the summit meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Thursday.

In a joint statement, the two leaders pledged to deepen cooperation on key infrastructure and economic projects under the LEC framework.

Priority projects include rail and port modernization, clean energy, semiconductor supply chains, digital connectivity, agribusiness and civilian port upgrades.

“They also reaffirmed their strong commitment to transforming the LEC into a world-class economic hub that strengthens global supply chains, accelerates economic development, and delivers mutual economic prosperity,” the joint statement read.

The LEC is a trilateral initiative involving the Philippines, Japan and the United States. It aims to improve connectivity and economic growth along the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas corridor.

The Philippines and Japan also highlighted the importance of trilateral cooperation with the United States and coordination with partners such as Australia and India in promoting a “free and open” international order based on the rule of law.

The two leaders stressed that stronger infrastructure connectivity and resilience, supported by Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), are vital to both economic growth and regional stability.

Japan also reaffirmed its support for “high-quality, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure development” in the Philippines.

The two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in economic security, particularly in strengthening resilient and diversified supply chains.

Key areas include critical minerals, renewable energy, automotive manufacturing and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

The Philippines and Japan also committed to enhance cooperation on digital infrastructure, including undersea cables and 5G Open RAN technologies.

They also vowed to promote secure and trustworthy AI ecosystems through the Japan-ASEAN Co-creation Initiative for AI.

On trade and investments, both sides underscored the importance of fully implementing existing agreements. These include the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Japan also expressed support for the Philippines’ planned accession to the Comprehensive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

In the energy sector, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation under the Asia Zero Emission Community.

The cooperation covers liquefied natural gas, offshore wind and civilian nuclear energy, subject to developments on the Philippine side.