PEZA, Aboitiz InfraCapital woo more Japanese investments 

Japan — The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), in collaboration with Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), participated in the Philippines-Japan Investment Fora held in Osaka and Tokyo from 29 September to 05 October 2024.

Organized with the support of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), the fora aimed to bolster investment ties between the two nations, focusing on opportunities within PEZA-administered economic zones and AIC estates.

The fora in both Osaka and Tokyo served as key platforms to showcase the advantages of investing in the Philippines' economic zones. These events underscored the strategic benefits for investors and reinforced the strong partnership needed to drive economic growth and industrial development in both the Philippines and Japan.

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga expressed, “The presence of our developer partners such as Aboitiz InfraCapital, reinforces the importance of the Japanese business market in the Philippines, being our country’s number 1 locator. We are looking at enticing the current Japanese companies in expanding their solid footprint in the country by bringing in their supply chain here. In doing so, higher production efficiencies may be generated on their part. For our part, it increases the number of locators, creates more job opportunities and increases exports.”

Japanese investors were key participants in the fora, and their active engagement underscored their crucial role in fostering economic cooperation between the two nations. The PEZA delegation’s participation, alongside AIC's initiatives, demonstrated the Philippines’ commitment to creating an attractive and welcoming environment for Japanese investment.

Moreover, the fora facilitated meaningful dialogues between business leaders and government officials, deepening their understanding of the unique opportunities available in the Philippines. By emphasizing the country's competitive advantages—such as a skilled workforce, enhanced incentives, a favorable investment climate, and a strategic location in Asia—the Philippines aims to attract more Japanese investors and further solidify this mutually beneficial partnership.

At the sidelines of the fora, the PEZA delegation, led by Chief Panga, engaged in business-to-business (B2B) meetings with prominent industry players in both Osaka and Tokyo. These meetings included discussions with the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), the Osaka International Business Promotion Center, Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp., TDK Corporation/TDK Philippines Corporation, and the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.

On 01 October, PEZA delegates, along with representatives from Aboitiz Group and PTIC Osaka, met with the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), led by Director Negoro Takayoshi. The meeting focused on OCCI's upcoming "Philippine Green Mission" program, which promotes green business initiatives in the Philippines.

The Philippine delegation emphasized their commitment to positioning the country as a key investment destination for Japanese SMEs. The meeting concluded with both parties expressing a strong commitment to continue dialogue and collaboration, strengthening their partnership in promoting sustainable economic growth.

They also met with the Trade and Investment Section of the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka, led by Commercial Counsellor and Director Michael Alfred V. Ignacio.

The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration between PTIC and PEZA to promote the Philippines as a prime investment destination for Japanese investors. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing cooperation in highlighting investment opportunities, particularly within PEZA ecozones.

The delegation met with the Osaka International Business Promotion Center (IBPC), led by Executive Director Makoto Yogi. The meeting aimed to encourage Osaka’s SMEs to invest in the Philippines, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 activities under the 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP).

Discussions highlighted the Philippines’ favorable business environment, skilled workforce, and strategic location, positioning it as an attractive destination for Japanese investments. Both parties expressed eagerness to collaborate and boost foreign direct investments.

On the same day, a meeting was held with Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. (HHPC), a leading real estate and development company in Osaka. The meeting aimed to encourage HHPC to invest in the Philippines by highlighting the numerous incentives and strategic benefits of locating within Philippine economic zones. The discussion emphasized the country’s favorable business environment and skilled workforce, positioning the Philippines as an ideal destination for HHPC’s future projects.

On 04 October 2024, the delegates paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mylene Garcia-Albano, the Philippine Ambassador to Japan.

The meeting centered on investment opportunities in the Philippines and strategies to attract Japanese investors. Both sides emphasized enhancing collaboration and support for potential investments, reinforcing the Philippines' commitment to strengthening economic ties with Japan in line with the President’s vision for growth and development.

Lastly, PEZA delegates met with top executives from TDK Corporation and TDK Philippines Corporation to discuss potential expansion opportunities in the Philippines.

TDK executives emphasized the Philippines as a strategic location for their future projects, highlighting the country’s favorable business environment. This significant investment presents a major opportunity for economic growth, particularly for Japanese investors, further solidifying the Philippines as an attractive destination for international investment.

Moving forward, continued engagement with Japanese investors and proactive initiatives will be crucial in maximizing the full potential of this partnership, ensuring sustained benefits for both the Philippines and Japan.

The fora attracted over 60 participants from various Japanese companies and organizations, highlighting the strong interest in exploring investment opportunities in the Philippines.

To date, PEZA hosts 807 Japanese locator companies, generating PhP 578.535 billion in investments, US$ 7.611 billion in exports, and creating 335,332 direct jobs.