3 weeks ago
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Louella Desiderio - The Philippine Star
February 26, 2025 | 12:00am
“We need to inquire from the Trump administration what their plans are for that (LEC),” Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go told reporters.
Businessworld / FACEBOOK.COM / USEMBASSYPH /
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines remains hopeful that the US will continue to support the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) despite the pause on foreign assistance by the United States.
“We need to inquire from the Trump administration what their plans are for that (LEC),” Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go told reporters.
“Although we’re still very positive, we’re still very hopeful. You know, we have been a good ally of the US. I believe that they will reciprocate that with tangible economic benefits for our country,” he said.
After taking office on Jan. 20, US President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day freeze on US foreign aid across the globe.
The LEC is being developed by the Philippines with the US and Japan, following the Trilateral Leaders’ Summit of the three countries in April last year.
It also forms part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, an initiative of the Group of Seven or G7 to advance public and private investments in sustainable, inclusive, resilient and quality infrastructure.
The last LEC steering committee meeting was held last year, under the administration of then US president Joe Biden.
Go said the development of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas railway, a flagship project of the LEC, would need support from the government.
According to Go, the US and Swedish governments have committed to provide a grant for the feasibility study for the railway.
“Like all rail projects all over the world, you really need sovereign, you need state support. The private sector usually comes into rail projects after the state has put in the necessary infrastructure,” he said.
Go also said that South Korea Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa expressed the country’s interest to take part in the development of LEC.
Earlier, other countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden and Australia have also signified their intent to support the development of the LEC.
