U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is embarking on a presidential trade and investment mission to the Philippines, commencing on Monday, as part of the United States’ efforts to strengthen economic relations in the region.
Raimondo’s agenda includes promoting the Philippines as a pivotal hub for regional supply chains and investment, in alignment with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. She aims to underscore the importance of enhancing economic and commercial connections within the Indo-Pacific during her visit on Monday and Tuesday. Following her engagements in the Philippines, Raimondo will proceed to Thailand for a two-day presidential export council mission.
In an interview, Raimondo emphasized the significance of deepening economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, which comprises some of the world’s most rapidly growing economies. She highlighted the trip’s objective of bolstering economic and commercial ties across the Indo-Pacific.
Under President Joe Biden and his Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jr., security cooperation between the two countries has intensified, particularly in response to China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.
Raimondo dismissed the notion of the United States forcing countries in the Indo-Pacific to choose between China and the U.S., emphasizing instead the desire for the U.S. to be the preferred economic partner. She stressed the importance of active engagement and collaboration to solidify economic partnerships.
Earlier, Raimondo visited China in August, where she engaged with Chinese leaders and advocated for U.S. firms’ interests in the Chinese market.
The U.S. delegation accompanying Raimondo to the Philippines comprises executives from 22 companies, including United Airlines, Google, Black & Veatch, Visa, EchoStar/DISH, UPS, Boston Consulting Group, KKR Asia Pacific, Bechtel, FedEx, Mastercard, and Microsoft, according to the White House.
United Airlines recently announced plans to commence new flights from Tokyo-Narita to Cebu, Philippines, starting July 31. Raimondo expressed hope for new U.S. investment announcements during her visit to the Philippines, with discussions laying the groundwork for future commercial ventures.
During her visit to Thailand, Raimondo will focus on discussions related to manufacturing, supply chain resilience, artificial intelligence, and clean technology. In Bangkok, she will participate in a hybrid meeting of the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Ministerial, in continuation of discussions held in November.
US Aims to Be ‘Economic Partner’ of Choice for Indo-Pacific: Raimondo
