Biden to send trade mission to PH

US President Joe Biden will send a trade and investment mission to the Philippines to enhance American companies’ contributions to the country’s economy.

In a statement, National Security Council (NSC) Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimond will lead the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to Manila, as announced by Biden.

From March 11 to 12, Watson said, the mission will enhance US companies’ “contributions to the Philippines’ innovation economy, connective infrastructure, clean energy transition, critical minerals sector, and the food security of its people,” the statement said.

The mission will also reinforce the Philippines as a key hub for regional supply chains and high-quality investment, it added.

Watson said Biden’s announcement came as he reaffirmed his commitment to President Marcos in terms of advancing both countries’ ties in economic and internationally-recognized labor rights aspects.

In November 2023, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez said investment pledges secured by Marcos during his recent trip to the US are expected to translate into actual deals “within the next couple of months.”

Romualdez expressed his optimism about the pledges coming into fruition due to the past pledges that were already converted into actual investments.

The Philippines and the US have renewed their ties, not only in military but also in trade and investment, since the start of the Marcos administration.

It included the US’ support for the Philippines to transition to clean energy and nuclear energy.

During US Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the Philippines, other joint efforts between the two sides were also rolled out, including an energy policy dialogue between the US and the Philippines, the development of critical mineral supply chains, the construction of a geothermal power plant in Mindanao, the building of a project pipeline, and the development of smart and secure Indo-Pacific ports.

— Joseph Pedrajas