Manila, September 10 (AseanAll) — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on September 10, 2026 urged foreign investors to invest in the Philippines through the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), bringing capital, technology, and expertise.
“To the investors and business leaders here today: I invite you to build with us. Build your next enterprise in the Philippines,” Marcos said in his speech during the 2026 Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum, delivered at the Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
“Bring your capital, technology, your expertise. Develop Filipino talent and local suppliers. Form lasting partnerships with our businesses and communities,” Marcos said.
Marcos has assured the foreign investors that they can place their trust in the Philippines.
“We know that trust is earned through consistent action. So, we will continue providing that stability, the infrastructure, the talent, and the responsive government that long-term investment requires. We want you to succeed here because your success will create opportunities for our people,” the President said.
The Chief Executive said the Philippine government wants the foreign investors to regard the Philippines not simply as another market, but as a trusted partner and a place where they can build, innovate, and grow for generations.
“The success of the LEC will not be measured by the number of meetings that they hold or projects that they announce. It will be measured by what we finance, by what we build, what we place into operation—by the jobs, the enterprises, and the opportunities that we create for our people,” the President emphasized.
Marcos assured the foreign investors that “the Philippines is ready. Let us turn confidence into firm commitments, commitments into enduring partnerships, and partnerships into progress that our people can see and feel.”
“Come and build with us. Invest in the Filipino. Place your trust in the Philippines. And together, let us build a more connected and competitive Luzon—and through it, a stronger and more inclusive Philippines,” President Marcos said.
Among the guests who attended the forum were Finance Secretary Frederick Go; United States Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton; members of the Cabinet, esteemed members of the Diplomatic Corps; the Chargé d’Affaires Ono Sho of Japan to the Philippines; U.S. Trade and Development Agency Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer Thomas Hardy; key partners and stakeholders from the private and public sectors; workers in the government; and other distinguished guests.
Marcos also thanked the United States and Japan for co-hosting the forum with the Philippines, and the United States Trade and Development Agency for bringing together leaders from government, industry, and finance.
Marcos said that the Philippines launched the LEC with the United States and Japan in 2024, and they set out to strengthen the connections among Subic Bay, Clark, Metro Manila, and Batangas.
“That vision has since drawn wider support,” said the President.
Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the UK have joined as partner countries, bringing additional expertise, resources, and private-sector capabilities, the Chief Executive said.
This growing interest reflects confidence in the Philippines as a reliable partner and an attractive destination for long-term investment, the President said.
“The Corridor brings together areas with distinct but complementary strengths. Subic Bay is a strategic maritime and industrial gateway. Clark is emerging as a center for aviation, logistics, technology, and urban development. Metro Manila remains the country’s commercial and financial center. Batangas is a major base for manufacturing, energy, and international trade,” President Marcos said.
“By connecting these areas more efficiently, we are creating a powerful economic platform for Luzon and the entire country,” President Marcos also said.
