PHL pitches Israeli investors to locate in Tarlac AI hub

THE PHILIPPINES is hoping to seal investment and technology-sharing deals with Israeli firms for an upcoming artificial-intelligence (AI) hub in New Clark City in Tarlac, the Board of Investments (BoI) said.

Trade Undersecretary and BoI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo recently met with officials from the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry (MEI) to explore partnerships involving critical minerals, semiconductors, and innovation, the BoI said in a statement on Sunday.

“Both sides emphasized the importance of working together to strengthen supply chain resilience under the Pax Silica framework and identifying priority sectors for early and practical cooperation,” the BoI said.

These opportunities will arise at the upcoming 1,618-hectare AI-native industrial hub in New Clark City, which the Philippines hopes will boost its footprint in the AI  ecosystem.

Mr. Rodolfo was also briefed on Israeli initiatives as a member of the Pax Silica bloc, particularly its partnership with the US on microchip production, advanced computing, and AI development.

The Israeli representatives were led by Oded Forer, head of the Export and Investment Promotion Division, and Yifat Alon Perel, senior director for Trade Policy and Agreements Division.

Mr. Rodolfo also met with officials from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Israel National AI Directorate, the Israel Innovation Authority, and key partners in Israel’s trade and tech sectors, BoI said.

In a separate statement, the MEI said its meeting with the BoI unveiled potential collaboration within the Pax Silica framework as well as AI projects.

The Pax Silica initiative seeks to counter China’s growing tech manufacturing dominance through partnerships that seek to build a global AI supply chain. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz