Tokyo, Japan
December 18, 2023

“This Administration’s firm support, even in challenging times, reaffirms our collective determination to build a dynamic, resilient and progressive future for the Philippines,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored following his meeting with the Japanese business community anchored in solidifying the unyielding commitment of fostering a harmonious economic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

The President made these remarks during a roundtable discussion organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Tokyo. He highlighted the Philippines as a growing investment hub, vowing to create a thriving investment ecosystem through effective legislations that allow foreign investors to succeed. He added that the government continues to listen about their concerns so as to ensure the success of their business endeavor in the country.

“These pertinent suggestions that you bring to us, especially those communicated to us by our valuable stakeholders from Japan during our engagements with them since my previous visit and other occasions, shape our policies, ensuring they resonate with the needs and aspirations of you, our partners,” he conveyed.

President Marcos Jr. reassured the government’s steadfast commitment in making meaningful reforms to existing legislations that aim to signal a new era for strategic investments. These include legislative amendments and reforms in streamlining business registration, infrastructure development, fiscal incentive structure, digital economy, and transformative Public Private Partnership (PPP), among others.

“These legislative milestones will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of our economic progress and technological advancement,” President Marcos Jr. stated.

During the event, the Chief Executive witnessed the signing of nine (9) agreements that focus on areas of mutual cooperation such us energy, infrastructure and manufacturing, among others. The investment amount of these agreements are projected at US$263 million and is expected to benefit more than 15,000 people in terms of employment.

“I express my sincere gratitude to our Japanese partners and investors for their unwavering support and trust… Let us forge ahead, create a future defined by resilience, innovation and shared prosperity,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his message.

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