Top US Business Leaders Set to Visit Philippines in 2022 for Strategic Partnerships in AI, Cyber, and More
A delegation of top US business leaders, handpicked by US President Joe Biden, will be visiting the Philippines in early 2022 to explore strategic partnerships in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. The announcement came from Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two countries.
Manalo, who is attending the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., highlighted the need for the US and the Philippines to work together on new areas that are shaping the global strategic environment. These areas include AI, autonomous weapons, cyber, and space.
The visit of the US business leaders is part of a commitment made by President Biden to President Marcos Jr. last year. The goal is to strengthen economic cooperation and foster public-private partnerships between the two nations. The US companies will be encouraged to invest in the Philippine innovation economy, clean energy transition, critical minerals sector, and food security.
Foreign Secretary Manalo hopes that the visit of the US Presidential Trade and Investment Mission will generate big-ticket projects and prioritize areas of cooperation. He emphasized the need for economic cooperation to align with defense-related activities and promote two-way trade and investments, particularly in critical infrastructure.
The timing of the US delegation’s visit coincides with the Philippines’ hosting of the Indo-Pacific Business Forum, further highlighting the importance of the Philippines as a strategic partner in the region.
The reinvigorated partnership between the Philippines and the US provides an opportunity for both nations to enhance their economic resilience while strengthening their defense security alliance. The Philippines has been actively engaging with the US through joint military activities, training exercises, and increased access for American military forces under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
Secretary Manalo assured foreign policy analysts that geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region should not hinder the pursuit of economic prosperity and development. He stressed the need to establish new rules and regulations to ensure that emerging technologies like AI and autonomous weapons are not weaponized or misused, safeguarding the rule of law and protecting human rights.
As the Philippines and the US expand their cooperation beyond traditional areas, such as maritime domain awareness, they will focus on AI, autonomous weapons, cyber, and space. This broader collaboration aims to develop frameworks that prevent the misuse of these technologies and protect vulnerable populations.
The upcoming visit of the US business leaders is expected to pave the way for closer ties between the Philippines and the US, creating opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and mutually beneficial partnerships in strategic sectors.
