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Louella Desiderio - The Philippine Star
March 9, 2025 | 12:00am
The investment commitments were made during the trip of Special Assistant to the President on Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque trip to Japan on March 3 and 4.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — Four Japanese firms are looking to invest a total of P23.5 billion in the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The investment commitments were made during the trip of Special Assistant to the President on Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque trip to Japan on March 3 and 4.
Go and Roque met with investors in diverse industries including renewable energy, railways, fashion, information technology, business process outsourcing, artificial intelligence and entertainment.
“Many expressed interest in expanding their existing operations or establishing new ventures in our country,” Roque said.
She said many firms are interested to do business in the Philippines given positive developments including the recently enacted CREATE MORE Law, which offers enhanced tax incentives and simplified processes for investors.
The DTI said Japanese firms with investment commitments to the Philippines include Nidec Corp., Ibiden Co. Ltd. and Sumitomo Corp.
Nidec Corp., in particular, is exploring expanding its manufacturing operations in the country.
The DTI said the discussions with Nidec centered on the firm’s existing gearbox production and its strategic interest in venturing into humanoid robotics manufacturing to leverage the Philippines’ skilled workforce and robust manufacturing ecosystem.
Meanwhile, discussions with Ibiden, which manufactures critical components and supports high-value semiconductors, focused on opportunities for the firm’s expansion.
As for the meeting with Sumitomo, the key focus was the potential for the firm to increase investments in renewable energy as the Philippine government pushes for energy security and reduced carbon emissions.
Roque also met with officials of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the company behind Uniqlo, to express the Philippines’ interest to be the clothing brand’s partner in manufacturing.
“We are currently revitalizing our textile and fashion design industry and would be very interested in exploring the possibility of being a candidate for your partner factory model program,” Roque said.
The DTI chief also met with officials of Japanese apparel retailer Adastria Co. Ltd., which has a diverse portfolio of 45 brands.
During the meeting, Adastria announced its plan to expand its presence in the Philippines by bringing in additional brands such as Global Work, Lowry’s Farm and LAKOLE.
Last December, Adastria launched the flagship store of its apparel brand niko and… at the SM Mall of Asia.
Roque urged Adastria to also consider local sourcing and manufacturing opportunities in the Philippines.
Roque also met with executives from Japanese business-to-business wholesaler Etoile Kaito & Co. Inc. to expand the export of Philippine-made interior and lifestyle products.
The company is diversifying its product portfolio by sourcing distinctive interior and lifestyle products made from indigenous materials like capiz shells and abaca.
