US undersecretary Helberg to visit Philippines for tech ecosystem growth

NEW YORK–Jacob Helberg, the US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs, is set to travel to the Philippines in connection with the agreements under the Pax Silica Declaration, an initiative aimed at building a secure, resilient, and innovative technology ecosystem among countries partnering with the United States.

The declaration was signed by the Philippines and the United States in April.

The initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economics, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) among ASEAN member states.

In an announcement by the US Department of State, Helberg is scheduled to visit the Philippines and Singapore from May 17 to 21 to meet with officials, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders to advance projects related to the initiative.

Helberg, together with other State Department officials, will also visit the planned first-of-its-kind industrial hub that aims to boost the production of critical materials and other key components needed for global supply chains. The project is also expected to support the broader goals of the Luzon Economic Corridor, a major infrastructure and economic development initiative.

According to the State Department, Helberg’s visit reflects the expanding cooperation between the United States and the Philippines in the areas of economic security, advanced technology, and supply chain resilience amid intensifying global competition in the technology industry.

After he visits the Philippines, Helberg will travel to Singapore to lead the U.S.-ASEAN AI Ministerial Roundtable with representatives from ASEAN member states and the private sector.

The visit forms part of the United States’ continuing efforts to expand its economic and technology engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with its ASEAN allies and partners. –NB, GMA News