Phl vital in chip supply chain – Blinken

The Philippines is seen as a critical partner of the US in promoting a resilient semiconductor supply chain, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

- LOUELLA DESIDERIO

“The Philippines is a thr iv ing partner and a critical partner – indeed, an increasingly critical partner – in the semiconductor supply chain, making sure that we have a strong, resilient supply chain,” Blinken told reporters following a tour of the semiconductor manufacturing facility of Amkor Technology Philippines Inc. in Muntinlupa yesterday.

Blinken said the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of a resilient supply chain.

According to Blinken, several US firms have invested for many years in the Philippines’ semiconductor industry, which is providing three million jobs in assembling, testing and packaging.

The industry also accounts for 20 percent of exports and 12 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

The US government wants to strengthen its longstanding partnership with the Philippines in the semiconductor industry.