February 28, 2017

JETRO encourages PH firms to ‘invest in Japan to develop new business possibility’

JETRO Manila, the Philippine office of Japanese government’s trade and investment promotion agency — Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), held a business forum on February 14, 2017 at New World Hotel Makati to introduce Japan’s investment environment and opportunities for Philippine companies.

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With the theme “Invest Japan to Develop New Business Possibility,” guests and businessmen from different organizations participated in the program, including the Department of Trade and Industry, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other private companies.

Yasushi-Akahoshi Mr. Yasushi Akahoshi, President of JETRO Tokyo

Mr. Yasushi Akahoshi, President of JETRO Tokyo, introduced the opportunities that Philippine companies can gain by investing in Japan, such as tourism-related business, business aimed at Filipinos in Japan, and establishment of support offices.

Based on the data from “International Investment Position” and “Foreign Exchange Rates” of Ministry of Finance and Bank of Japan, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Japan from Asia grew 8.3 times over the past 15 years.

With this, two Philippine companies shared their experience working with JETRO to expand their businesses in Japan through representatives from Integrated Mirco-Electronics, Inc. (IMI), a manufacturing company majority owned by Ayala Corporation, and from Smart World, brand carrier of telecommunications company PLDT Global Corporation.

7.-Arthur-Tan Mr. Arthur Tan, President and CEO of IMI

According to Mr. Arthur Tan, President and CEO of IMI, JETRO offered a temporary office for IMI Japan Inc. inside JETRO Japan office seven years ago. Since then, they developed over 10 years of strong partnerships and had several joint initiatives to promote investments and network opportunities.

8.-Alice-Ramos Ms. Alice Ramos, Group head of Business Development, PLDT Global & Vice President (Head) – International Roaming and Alliances, Smart Communications and Sun Cellular

Meanwhile, Ms. Alice Ramos of PLDT Global shared that, with the help of JETRO, they experienced many firsts and overcame challenges to reach milestones that led to their business launch in Japan.

9.-Berzabeth-Pajadan-Espino Ms. Berzabeth Pajadan-Espino, Associate Director of JETRO Manila

This is why Ms. Berzabeth Pajadan-Espino, Associate Director of JETRO Manila, encourages Philippine companies to talk to JETRO first and see how JETRO can support their businesses in Japan.

10.-Hitoshi-Suzuki Mr. Hitoshi Suzuki, Kanagawa Prefecture

11.-Yoshiharu-Kato Mr. Yoshiharu Kato, Osaka Business Support Desk

To conclude the program, Kanagawa Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture were introduced as the best areas for companies to enter the Japanese market.

For inquiries and more information about JETRO, please visit jetro.go.jp or e-mail mla@jetro.go.jp.

*Edit: The name of JETRO Tokyo President is Mr. Yasushi Akahoshi, not Mr. Yasushi Akatoshi, while the name of JETRO Manila Associate Director is Ms. Berzabeth Pajadan-Espino, not Ms. Berzabeth Padajan-Espino, as the article previously mentioned.