Taiwan as PH economic partner via Luzon Corridor

By Monsi A. Serrano

Taiwan is gaining ground as an economic partner of choice among Filipinos, as the Philippines opens new investment opportunities through the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), particularly in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, technology, logistics and digital connectivity.

In a survey commissioned by Stratbase Group and conducted by Pulse Asia from Sept. 17 to 23, Taiwan was cited by 11 percent of 2,400 respondents as one of their three preferred economic partners, up three percentage points from 8 percent in July.

The increase comes as the Philippines seeks to strengthen its position in global technology and supply chains, with the LEC emerging as a platform for investments in strategic industries where Taiwanese companies have significant capabilities and global experience.

For Taiwan, the corridor presents opportunities beyond its formal partnership framework with the Philippines. Taiwanese companies involved in semiconductors, electronics, advanced manufacturing, digital technology, logistics and related supply-chain industries could benefit from the infrastructure and investment ecosystem being developed across Luzon.

The LEC connects key economic areas from Subic and Clark through Metro Manila to Batangas, with investments focused on transportation, energy, logistics and other systems needed to support industrial growth.

As previously reported by THEPHILBIZNEWS, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton described the LEC as being ultimately about jobs, global partnerships and turning investment opportunities into concrete projects. He also highlighted the presence of investors from the United States, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia and Europe at the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum.

The broader international interest in the corridor could give Taiwan additional opportunities to connect with Philippine industries while supporting the country’s efforts to diversify and strengthen its supply chains.

Stratbase Group President and CEO Prof. Victor Andres Manhit said Taiwan’s 11-percent preference rating could be higher given its growing economic and technological relevance to the Philippines, particularly its role in technology and semiconductor supply chains.

“The way Filipinos understand the choices in the survey may also influence how they view Taiwan’s place among our economic partners,” Manhit said.

The survey placed the United States first at 73 percent, followed by Japan at 62 percent, Canada at 35 percent, Australia at 30 percent and South Korea at 21 percent.

Japan recorded the biggest increase among the top five, gaining 10 percentage points from July, while the United States rose by two points. Canada gained seven points and South Korea one point, while Australia declined by five points.

The United Kingdom was cited by 20 percent of respondents, down six percentage points, while the European Union and China each registered 14 percent. The EU gained one point, while China’s rating declined by three points. India remained unchanged at 2 percent.

Manhit said the growing preference for the United States and Japan reflected greater public recognition of the importance of trusted economic partnerships in expanding investments, strengthening critical infrastructure and securing the Philippines’ position in emerging technology supply chains.

He also linked China’s lower rating to continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, including reported incidents involving the Chinese Coast Guard and Beijing’s claims involving areas contested by the Philippines and Taiwan.

“China’s standing among Filipinos continues to be shaped by what they see and experience in the region,” Manhit said.

The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points nationwide.