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The Government of Sweden has extended a 12 million Swedish krona (around €1 million) grant to support the feasibility study for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway project, the flagship initiative under the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC). The agreement was signed between Swedfund International and the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr), with the grant document presented at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, October 22, according to the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA). Strengthening logistics through Swedish partnership Swedfund’s contribution will finance a feasibility study on signalling systems and operational models for the SCMB railway – an anchor infrastructure project designed to link the ports of Subic, Manila, and Batangas. According to OSAPIEA, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will oversee the procurement of consultants for the study. The project aims to improve trade efficiency and logistics connectivity across Luzon, bolstering the Philippines’ appeal to investors. Present at the event were SAPIEA Secretary Frederick Go, Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Anna Ferry, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, and other officials from the Department of Finance and Department of Foreign Affairs. Secretary Go described the partnership as “advancing the President’s vision of developing globally competitive logistics infrastructure that will drive investment and inclusive growth.” Ambassador Ferry added, “This additional agreement with the Department of Transportation is a remarkable example of synergies and cooperation between public and private efforts. We are proud to support the Philippines’ development goals with Swedish technology and expertise in transportation.” For foreign investors and expats in the Philippines, this development signals growing international confidence in the country’s infrastructure ambitions. Enhanced transport and logistics capacity across Luzon could improve business efficiency, particularly in manufacturing, trade, and export industries. This project also aligns with broader regional efforts to make the Philippines a logistics hub in Southeast Asia. View all world news.
