A United States official reiterated Washington’s support for the Luzon Economic Corridor’s infrastructure network connecting Subic, Clark, Manila and Batangas to facilitate expansion opportunities for US and foreign companies in the Philippines.
US Assistant Secretary of State Ramin Toloui emphasized the importance of connectivity in strengthening transport and logistics.
“The transport and logistics infrastructure can be accelerator for further economic development in a variety of sectors – manufacturing and clean energy, in agribusiness. And we want to partner with the Philippines to realize that vision. That’s why in the very important trilateral summit between Japan, Philippines and the United States in Washington, we elevated this corridor because part of leadership is identifying priorities and providing a vision,” Toloui said in a briefing with Philippine media.
“We wanted our heads of state to articulate this vision, which then helps focus the efforts of the those of us in the government who are working on this on a daily basis. We talked with my counterparts about how to carry that work forward,” he said.
Toloui visited the Philippines as the fourth leg of a nine-day tour of five Asian cities including Tokyo, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh, Manila and Singapore.
The US government, as highlighted by Toloui, recognizes the importance of a clear vision in attracting stakeholders and driving focus towards specific economic opportunities.
He said US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo’s visit to the Philippines exemplifies the vision, serving as a focal point for US companies to explore potential expansion within the economic corridor.
The US acknowledges the crucial role of pre-development work in infrastructure projects, he said.
Agencies like US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) actively contribute by providing assistance with feasibility studies and other preparatory activities, Toloui said.
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said in a previous briefing the $3.17-billion Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway project is a key segment of the broader 1,320-kilometer Luzon Railway System.
The SCMB Railway System is envisioned to initially provide efficient freight transportation services, connecting the major ports, industrial zones, and logistics centers of Subic, Clark, Manila and Batangas.
The SCMB Railway System is also planned for future expansion to accommodate passenger services, linking the expanding population in Central and Southern Luzon to economic, educational and employment hubs throughout the area for improved accessibility and mobility.