Manila: The European Union and Spain have officially joined the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) partnership, expanding the international coalition to 13 members. LEC Co-Chair and Finance Secretary Frederick Go announced the newest members during the inaugural Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, as part of its entry, the EU is aligning its Global Gateway initiative-which includes a 60-million euro Green Economy Programme and a 20-million euro Digital Economy Package-with LEC priorities. This alignment will support green and circular development, renewable energy, energy efficiency, secure digital connectivity, innovation, and skills development.

Spain, meanwhile, will contribute public- and private-sector expertise to advance potential LEC projects in railways, modular infrastructure, aviation, shipbuilding, air-navigation management, and renewable-energy connectivity.

"We are very pleased to welcome the European Union and Spain to the partnership," Go said. "Their participation brings additional expertise, technology, capital, and global business networks that can help accelerate investments and develop the infrastructure to support the Philippines' growth. This is a strong vote of confidence in the Philippines and in the opportunities that our economy offers."

The LEC was launched by the Philippines, the United States, and Japan to accelerate strategic infrastructure investments, strengthen connectivity and supply chains, and enhance the Philippines' competitiveness as an investment and production hub. Other partners include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

"The LEC is about building projects that generate jobs, strengthen our industries, and create lasting economic value for the Philippines," Go stated.