The Philippines continues to position itself as a premier investment destination for Japanese enterprises, offering a strategic location, competitive business climate, and a highly skilled workforce.
This was highlighted during the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) recent conclusion of a high-level business and investment mission from Okayama, Japan.
Organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Osaka (PTIC-Osaka) in collaboration with the Okayama International Business Association (OIBA), the mission took place from February 9 to 13. It was led by OIBA Chairman Koichi Itano and included top executives from Okayama-based companies in manufacturing, education, software development, property management, steel processing, banking, and the automotive sector.
The delegation aimed to explore investment opportunities and strengthen supply chain integration within the Philippine industrial ecosystem.
Strategic Business Engagements
The mission began with a courtesy visit to the Japan External Trade Organization in Manila, followed by a business networking luncheon.
Board of Investments (BOI) Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo welcomed the delegation, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to fostering a competitive and investor-friendly business environment.
“The Philippines provides a dynamic economic landscape, compelling incentives, and strategic advantages that make it an ideal partner for Japanese enterprises looking to expand in Southeast Asia,” Rodolfo said.
The delegation also met with senior officials from the Japanese Embassy in Manila and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) for a comprehensive briefing on economic zones, incentive programs, and key investment opportunities.
Exploring the Manufacturing and Industrial Landscape
During the Economic and Investment Briefing, PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga highlighted the Philippines’ long-standing economic partnership with Japan. He noted that Japanese firms have been among the top investors in PEZA zones for nearly three decades.
“In PEZA, our Japanese investors have always been ichi-ban—our leading ecozone locators and valued partners,” Panga said. “With over 800 Japanese firms contributing PHP 589 billion in investments and generating more than 300,000 direct jobs, we remain confident that this mission will further strengthen our collaboration and attract more high-value manufacturing investments to the Philippines.”
The delegation toured Nakashima Philippines Corporation and JPN, Inc., two prominent Japanese companies located in the Cavite Economic Zone. These visits showcased the benefits of operating within Philippine economic zones and the comprehensive support available to foreign investors.
On February 12, the delegation visited Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in Balamban, Cebu, to explore supply chain integration opportunities with the global shipbuilder. The visit also included an assessment of prospects within the West Cebu Industrial Park, highlighting the Philippines’ thriving shipbuilding industry and its potential to attract more Japanese investments.
Strengthening Economic Partnerships
Philippine Commercial Counselor and PTIC-Osaka Director Michael Alfred V. Ignacio praised the mission’s success, emphasizing its role in deepening economic ties between Japan and the Philippines.
“PTIC-Osaka is firmly committed to promoting investments from Japanese manufacturing players by encouraging their participation in the Philippine supply chain and industrial ecosystem,” Ignacio said. “Our goal is to foster a more resilient supply chain in the Philippines, enhancing the country’s industrial competitiveness and strengthening its role in regional and global trade.”
The mission was made possible through the support of the BOI, DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps, PEZA, and Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates.
As Japanese companies expand their presence in the Philippines, the partnership between the two nations is set to drive sustained economic growth, industrial collaboration, and shared prosperity.
