Manila: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has urged American firms to expand their investments in the Philippines, highlighting the country's strategic position and favorable investment climate. Recto made the call during a recent 2026 Philippines Business Mission at Conrad Manila, the Office of the Executive Secretary said Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Recto called on members of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) to 'stay in the Philippines,' expand their operations, and build their future in the country. '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,' he stated.
Recto emphasized that the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), which will connect Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas into a hub for logistics, manufacturing, connectivity, and innovation, could generate up to one million jobs and contribute significantly to economic growth. He encouraged U.S. companies to invest in electronics and semiconductors, particularly in advanced packaging, integrated circuit design, research and development, supply-chain resilience, front-end semiconductor capabilities, and critical minerals processing.
He expressed the Philippines' aspiration to move beyond the extraction and export of critical minerals by developing domestic capacity in processing, manufacturing, and innovation. '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.
Recto also highlighted the Pax Silica partnership as an opportunity for American firms to bring technology, capital, research, and training to the Philippines. He underscored that investor confidence hinges on a capable workforce, competitive costs, predictable regulations, reliable infrastructure, and efficient government services.
Recto noted that the Marcos administration is pursuing reforms, including the CREATE MORE Act, Green Lanes for strategic investments, and the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop, to make investments easier, faster, and more predictable. The government has also opened additional sectors to foreign participation, including renewable energy and public services such as telecommunications, toll roads, airports, and shipping.
He urged American business leaders to inform the government about regulatory and infrastructure bottlenecks affecting their investments. '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,' Recto said, adding, 'We will listen. We will act. We will do the handholding. And we will compete for your investment.'
Recto also emphasized that the Philippines' ASEAN chairship serves as an opportunity to promote regional trade, resilient supply chains, connectivity, and digital standards that support cross-border business. The Philippines Business Mission is an annual engagement organized by the USABC to strengthen U.S.-Philippines economic and business relations, representing over 180 leading global corporations operating in ASEAN and worldwide.
