PEZA, Mizuho Bank ink deal to bolster foreign investment ties

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has renewed and expanded its long-standing collaboration with Japan’s Mizuho Bank, aiming to deepen investment ties and promote climate-smart industries within Philippine economic zones.

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga and Mizuho Bank President and CEO Masahiko Kato signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 10, 2025, at the PEZA Head Office in Taguig. The agreement formalizes Mizuho’s designation as an official Investment Promotion Partner of the agency.

The MOU builds on a partnership first initiated in 2012, with an eye toward encouraging more Japanese businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to locate operations in the Philippines. The renewed agreement also broadens its scope to include other Asian investors seeking entry into the ASEAN market.

“This marks the beginning of a long and productive partnership—one that will help usher in high-quality investments, create more job opportunities, and build a more resilient Philippine economy,” said Panga. He noted that over 300,000 Filipinos are already directly employed by Japanese firms inside PEZA-managed ecozones.

The agreement comes amid growing emphasis on sustainability and economic resiliency. Both institutions have committed to advancing initiatives aligned with the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, such as carbon credit mechanisms and transition financing to support the country's low-carbon transition.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who chairs the Climate Change Commission, has previously emphasized the development of climate-smart industries as a national priority.

PEZA officials underscored Mizuho’s strength as a promotional ally, citing the bank’s global reach, strong understanding of Japanese investor needs, and local presence. The collaboration will focus on enhancing foreign direct investment in key sectors including manufacturing, ICT, renewable energy, and other high-growth industries.

Mizuho Bank has played a critical role in guiding Japanese corporations through ASEAN expansion, and its continued involvement is seen as instrumental in positioning the Philippines as a competitive, sustainable investment destination in the region.