Philippines, United Arab Emirates Explore AI Hub Partnership Under Pax Silica
Philippines, United Arab Emirates Explore AI Hub Partnership Under Pax Silica
The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates are exploring a potential partnership for the planned Pax Silica artificial intelligence hub in New Clark City, as Manila seeks international allies to support the development of a major technology and industrial center in Luzon.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry, Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo recently met with Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi to discuss AI strategy, investment opportunities, and infrastructure cooperation under the Philippines-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The discussions followed the Philippines’ accession to the Pax Silica initiative, a US-led framework focused on securing trusted technology supply chains involving critical minerals, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, data infrastructure, and artificial intelligence.
Earlier, the Philippines and the United States announced plans to establish a 4,000-acre AI-native industrial acceleration hub in New Clark City as part of the broader Luzon Economic Corridor.
Officials said talks with the UAE focused on the infrastructure requirements needed to support the planned AI hub, including water systems, power supply, advanced data processing facilities, and AI technologies.
Rodolfo said the Philippines’ natural mineral resources, semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, and skilled workforce could complement the UAE’s expertise in capital-intensive AI infrastructure and energy systems.
“As we build the Luzon AI-native hub, our partnership under CEPA and the Pax Silica framework ensures that both nations remain at the forefront of the global digital economy,” Rodolfo said.
Meanwhile, Alfonso Ver said the growing cooperation marks a shift in bilateral relations between the two countries.
“This signifies that Philippines and the UAE are no longer just traditional trading partners; they are now strategic tech-allies,” Ver said.
The Maharlika Investment Corporation is also studying potential co-investment opportunities connected to the Luzon Economic Corridor.
Maharlika Investment Fund President and CEO Rafael Jose Consing said the fund is coordinating with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority to identify projects that can support the corridor’s expansion.
The planned New Clark City AI hub is expected to become part of a larger industrial and logistics network linking Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Clark Freeport Zone, Metro Manila, and Batangas City under the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative.
On May 18, Jacob Helberg visited New Clark City to inspect the proposed AI hub site together with representatives from the US government, the World Bank Group, and technology companies involved in Pax Silica.
Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen the Philippines’ semiconductor ecosystem, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and logistics connectivity while building trusted supply chains outside China for critical minerals and high-tech industries.
The Philippines is currently the 13th signatory to the Pax Silica initiative, which now includes 14 signatories and three non-signatory participants.
