Will Marcos’ shipbuilding push deliver lasting capacity for Philippines?

AI Summary

The Philippines is aiming to develop its shipbuilding industry by leveraging geographic advantages, skilled labor, and strengthening ties with Japan. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expanded the West Cebu Industrial Park to support this strategic maritime initiative, with focus on attracting lasting investment.

The Philippines has a rare opening to turn its geography, skilled workers and deepening ties with Japan into a stronger maritime industrial base, but analysts say Manila’s push to make shipbuilding a strategic industry will be judged by whether fresh investment can produce lasting capacity. President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr gave that drive a concrete boost on June 3 when he ordered the addition of 64 hectares (158 acres) to the West Cebu Industrial Park (WCIP), one of the country’s key shipbuilding...