US State Department official to visit Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — A US State Department official will visit the Philippines for economic dialogue as part of a three-nation trip from Jan. 22 to Feb. 1.

US Undersecretary of State for economic growth, energy and environment Jose Fernandez will travel to Vietnam, the Philippines and South Korea to strengthen economic cooperation with key allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

In the Philippines, Fernandez will discuss enhancing the country’s economic resilience through supply chain diversification.

He will also highlight investment opportunities in the critical minerals sector.

In Vietnam, Fernandez will focus on increasing trade opportunities, clean energy promotion, semiconductor and supply chain cooperation and advancing economic cooperation with Vietnam following US President Joe Biden’s visit in September 2023.

He will also work toward upgrading US-Vietnam relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

In South Korea, Fernandez will co-chair the 8th US-ROK Senior Economic Dialogue.

“During his meetings with government, business and civil society leaders in all three countries, Undersecretary Fernandez will promote public-private partnerships, advance investment opportunities and emphasize the importance of close cooperation in areas of common concern, including strengthening economic, energy, health, climate and food security,” the US State Department said in a statement.