First large-scale investment symposium in Manila

February 2017

On February 14 in Manila JETRO held an event promoting investment into Japan, the first large-scale symposium of its kind in the Philippines. At the seminar, which drew 120 participants, two Filipino companies with a presence in Japan's manufacturing and telecommunication fields respectively and the President of JETRO, Yasushi Akahoshi, took the podium to impress upon participating Filipino companies the advantages of the Japanese investment environment and how it is beneficial for them to do business in Japan.

Calling for investment to Filipino companies

Mr. Akahoshi, who delivered the keynote speech, sent a strong message that “Japan has changed,” by explaining a wide range of deregulation and how Japan’s economy has prospered under Abenomics. Declaring that the Philippines, which has been increasingly active in overseas investment in recent years, has entered "the stage of outward FDI," he made an appeal for Japan to be a greater target of that investment. Mr. Akahoshi referred to several promising business areas such as those related to tourism and those aimed at Filipinos living in Japan. He also made a call for the establishment of OEM or BPO-related sales offices meant to support Japanese companies outsourcing to the Philippines.


Keynote speech by JETRO President Akahoshi


Scene of symposium

Introduction of investment environment in Japan by two Filipino companies

Following this, executives from two Filipino companies already active in Japan, one in the manufacturing field and the other telecommunications, each presented on the merits of investment into Japan. Arthur Tan, CEO of the electronic parts OEM Integrated Micro-Electronics (IME), illustrated the advantages in establishing business bases in Japan by referring to his own company's experience, saying “what we learned from Japan’s advanced expertise and technologies enhanced our competitiveness not only in Japan but also in the global market.” Alice Ramos, Vice President of the top Filipino telecommunications carrier, PLDT Global, said “the increased number of Filipinos living in Japan will drive further investment in Japan from the Philippines” and related her company’s experience of using JETRO’s services while entering Japan.
In the question and answer session, participants asked about specific matters such as the current trend of FDI into Japan and preferential programs, indicating a strong overall interest in doing business in Japan.


IMI, Tan CEO


PLDT Global, Ramos Vice President

PR and consultation corners by local governments

For the networking reception held after the symposium, PR corners were set up by Kanagawa Prefecture and a joint Osaka team; consisting of Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry; to provide information on the advantages, incentives and support that each respective jurisdiction offers investors. JETRO also set up a consultation corner where it responded to a large number of inquiries from Filipino companies.

PR corner by local Japanese government

Outline of  symposium

Time February 14, 2017 (Tuesday),  9:30 - 13:00
Venue New World Makati Hotel
Organizer Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Co-organizer Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
Supporter Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippines and Japan Economic Cooperation Committees (PHILJEC), the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Makati Business Club and 4 other organizations
Participants 120 persons (including 13 persons from 10 media outlets)
Outline of program
  • Opening remarks: Tomohiro Ando, Executive Director, JETRO Manila
  • Guest speech: Ramon R. Lopez, Secretary, Department of Trade & Industry (DTI)
  • Guest speech: Makoto Iyori, Minister of Economic Affairs, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
  • Guest speech: Roberto Castillo, Chairman, Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC)
  • Guest speech: George Barcelon, President, Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry
  • Keynote speech: Yasushi Akahoshi, President, JETRO
  • 1st presentation: Arthur Tan, President & CEO, Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc.
  • 2nd presentation: Alice Ramos, Group Head of Business Development, PLDT Global Corporation
  • "Talk to JETRO First: How JETRO Can Support FDI into Japan":
    Berzabeth Pajadan, Associate Director, JETRO Manila.
  • "Supportive Function for Foreign Direct Investors to Japan”:
    Representatives from Kanagawa Prefecture and Osaka Business Support Desk
  • Q&A session
  • Closing remarks: Tomohiro Takashima, Director General of the Invest Japan Department, JETRO
  • Networking reception and advisory service by Kanagawa Prefecture, Osaka and JETRO