Recto woos US firms to expand in Phl

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has called on American companies to expand their presence in the Philippines, citing the country’s strategic location, investment reforms and growing opportunities in key industries.

Speaking during the 2026 Philippines Business Mission at Conrad Manila, Recto urged members of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) to remain in the country, increase their operations and make the Philippines part of their long-term business plans.

“That is the partnership we want — not just one business mission, but generations of investment, innovation, jobs, and shared prosperity between the Philippines and the United States,” Recto said.

He highlighted the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), which will connect Subic, Clark, Manila and Batangas as a major hub for logistics, manufacturing, connectivity and innovation. The corridor is expected to generate up to one million jobs and support economic growth.

Recto also identified electronics and semiconductors as priority areas for U.S. investment, particularly advanced packaging, integrated circuit design, research and development, supply-chain resilience, front-end semiconductor capabilities and critical minerals processing.

He said the Philippines wants to move beyond simply extracting and exporting critical minerals by developing domestic processing, manufacturing and innovation capabilities.

“We want more factories rising here, critical minerals processed — not just extracted and exported. More electronics proudly made in the Philippines. And more Filipino engineers, technicians, and researchers given the chance to thrive,” Recto said.

He also pointed to the Pax Silica partnership as an avenue for American companies to bring technology, capital, research and training to the country.

Recto said investor confidence would depend on the availability of a capable workforce, competitive costs, predictable regulations, reliable infrastructure and efficient government.

“We do not want American companies to simply buy from the Philippines. We want you to bring your technology here. Bring your capital and research here. Train Filipino talent here. And build your next breakthrough here,” he said.

To improve the investment climate, Recto cited reforms such as the CREATE MORE Act, Green Lanes for strategic investments and the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop. The government has also opened additional sectors to foreign participation, including renewable energy and public services such as telecommunications, toll roads, airports and shipping.

Recto urged U.S. business leaders to directly identify regulatory and infrastructure problems that affect their operations.

“Tell us which permit takes too long. Tell us which regulation creates uncertainty. Tell us which infrastructure gap raises your costs. Tell us where the government can do better,” he said.

“We will listen. We will act. We will do the handholding. And we will compete for your investment,” Recto added.

He further said the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship provides an opportunity to strengthen regional trade, supply-chain resilience, connectivity and digital standards that facilitate cross-border business.

The annual Philippines Business Mission is organized by the USABC to strengthen economic and business ties between the Philippines and the United States. The council represents more than 180 leading global corporations operating in ASEAN and other markets.