Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has urged American companies to expand their investments in the Philippines, highlighting opportunities in semiconductors, electronics and critical minerals as Manila seeks to strengthen the country’s position in global supply chains.
Recto made the pitch during the 2026 Philippines Business Mission at Conrad Manila, organized by the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), calling on American companies to remain in the Philippines, expand their operations and build their long-term 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,” Recto said.
He highlighted the Luzon Economic Corridor, which will link Subic, Clark, Manila and Batangas as a hub for logistics, manufacturing, connectivity and innovation.
The corridor is expected to generate up to 1 million jobs and contribute to economic growth, Recto said.
He urged US companies to invest in the Philippines’ electronics and semiconductor industries, particularly in advanced packaging, integrated circuit design, research and development, supply-chain resilience and front-end semiconductor capabilities.
Critical minerals processing was also identified as a priority.
Recto said the Philippines wanted to move beyond extracting and exporting critical minerals by developing domestic capabilities 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,” he said.
Recto also pointed to the Pax Silica partnership as an opportunity for US companies to bring technology, capital, research and training to the Philippines.
He said investor confidence would depend on 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,” Recto said.
The Marcos administration is pursuing reforms aimed at making investment easier and more predictable, including the CREATE MORE Act, Green Lanes for strategic investments and the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop, Recto said.
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 American companies to identify regulatory and infrastructure bottlenecks that could 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.
The executive secretary also said the Philippines’ chairship of ASEAN provided an opportunity to promote regional trade, resilient supply chains, connectivity and digital standards supporting cross-border business.
The Philippines Business Mission is an annual engagement organized by the USABC to strengthen economic and business relations between the United States and the Philippines.
The USABC represents more than 180 leading global corporations operating in ASEAN and other markets.
