Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque met with top executives from Texas Instruments and leaders of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) in Washington DC to strengthen investment and growth opportunities in the Philippines’ electronics and semiconductor sector.

During a high-level business forum organized by the US Chamber of Commerce, the US-ASEAN Business Council, and SIA held in the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC last week, Roque emphasized the Philippines’ strategic role in global semiconductor supply chains and highlighted the country’s readiness to support industry expansion.

In a chance interview in Taguig City Tuesday, the DTI chief said the conversations focused on how US semiconductor companies can further grow their operations in the Philippines.

“Because semiconductor is the number one export of the Philippines to the US. So, every time we talk to them, even when I go abroad, I’m really looking at expansion. I’m also looking at how they can provide more jobs and then what do they need so that we can really, of course, let them expand and let their presence stay in the country,” Roque told reporters.

She added that in her meeting with members of SIA, they discussed trade issues, industry concerns, and how the country can better position itself amid global competition.

The trade chief also had a separate meeting with Texas Instruments, a global leader in analog and embedded processing chips, wherein the American firm reaffirmed its interest to further grow its business in the Philippines.

Roque assured Texas Instruments’ executives of continued government support in the areas of talent development, investment protection, and regulatory coordination.

She added the US firm places strong emphasis on the availability of skilled talent as a key factor in supporting its expansion plans in the Philippines.

Roque said these engagements reflect the Marcos administration’s push to strengthen its role in high-value manufacturing, create local jobs, and attract long-term investments from global technology leaders.

“We always want to be part of the global chain, especially for strong industries,” she said.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez also attended the business forum.

The business forum was held during the visit of Go and Roque in Washington DC to meet United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, as the Philippine officials negotiated the US reciprocal tariff. (PNA)