Greater manila bay area and luzon economic corridor can co-exist, says presidential adviser

Secretary Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, emphasized that the ongoing efforts to develop the Greater Manila Bay Area (GMBA) can coexist harmoniously with the Luzon Economic Corridor. Speaking at the National Retailers Conference and Expo 2024 in Pasay City, Go described the GMBA as a complementary initiative to the Luzon Economic Corridor, a key outcome of the trilateral summit involving the Philippines, the United States, and Japan.

The proposal for the GMBA, which was introduced by Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian on August 21, envisions linking the provinces of Cavite and Bataan with Manila and Bulacan, drawing inspiration from China's Greater Bay Area model that connects Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Go acknowledged the potential of the GMBA, stating, "I think it's an idea. It's something that can be looked on a little deeper." He further affirmed the Philippine government's openness to all legitimate projects that bring investments and job opportunities to the country. "We welcome investments or investors from anywhere in the world. As long as they're in legitimate businesses, they put in real capital, provide jobs to Filipinos, and help our economy turn and run, we will be able to do that. We welcome all such investments," Go remarked.

In addition to his role in promoting investments, Go also serves as the co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Luzon Economic Corridor, alongside US Senior Advisor to the President for Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for International Cooperation Bureau Ishizuki Hideo. The Luzon Economic Corridor's flagship project, the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas cargo railway, is poised to significantly enhance logistics and trade within the region.

With both the GMBA and Luzon Economic Corridor advancing, Go's comments reflect a strategic vision where both initiatives could drive economic growth and infrastructure development in the Philippines.