The United States expects to reach a deal on the long-term framework for an economic security zone with the Philippines 'sooner rather than later', a senior US official said.
Washington is aggressively expanding its technology supply chain alliance known as 'Pax Silica'. Both countries have a two-year window to work out the arrangements under a pact signed last month.
Jacob Helberg, US undersecretary of state for economic affairs, said: 'I expect the United States and the Philippines to reach a deal sooner rather than later. There’s an enormous amount of momentum behind this.'
Last month’s agreement made the Philippines the 13th country to join Pax Silica, which now has 15 members and is expected to grow to 16 soon.
Helberg visited a proposed 4,000-acre site in New Clark City, north of Manila, with representatives from US companies including 8VC, Agility Robotics, Joby Aviation, and Valar Atomics. Foxconn chairman Young Liu was also part of the delegation.
Helberg said there is high interest from companies. He spoke at the ATX summit in Singapore, meeting ASEAN digital ministers.
