Philippine Embassy Hosts Forum To Promote The Philippines As Prime Destination For Japanese Investments
Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (front, fifth from the left) with FEC President Ken Matsuzawa (front, fourth from the left) and PEZA Deputy Director General Maria Veronica Magsino (front, sixth from the left), and the participants of the FEC Business Forum held last 22 October 2024.
24 October 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Tokyo (PTIC-Tokyo), in partnership with the International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC), organized a business forum on 22 October 2024 aimed at further promoting the Philippines as a prime destination for Japanese investments in Asia.
In her opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano highlighted the country’s remarkable economic growth and favorable investment climate. She said, “The Philippines has become one of the most dynamic economies in the world, thanks to its strong macroeconomic fundamentals, strategic location, excellent workforce, and commitment to sustainable development, among others. The government continues to prioritize policies that create an enabling environment for trade, investment, and innovation. In turn, we invite our partners, especially those who are here today, to explore the many opportunities in various sectors of our economy.”
Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano invited participants to explore new avenues for partnership and investment, and further strengthen the economic ties between the Philippines and Japan.
Mr. Masaya Tochio, Chairman of FEC Japan-ASEAN Cultural and Economic Exchange Committee, emphasized a new era of strengthened collaboration between Japan and the Philippines. “In terms of economy, technology, as well as regional security—building a friendly and long-term relationship, based on trust, with ASEAN countries, especially the Republic of the Philippines, is one of the most important themes,” he stated.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Deputy Director General Maria Veronica Magsino delivered a keynote presentation highlighting the Philippines’ investment policies and offering insights into the regulatory landscape, including tax incentives for foreign investors.
Following the keynote, a panel discussion took place featuring Ms. Magsino, PTIC-Tokyo Commercial Counselor Dita Angara-Mathay, Aboitiz InfraCapital First Vice President Margarita Villanueva, and Mitsuba Philippines Corporation Director and Senior Executive Advisor Fumihiko Minami.
Approximately 35 executives from various Japanese companies attended the forum. As a gesture of hospitality and as part of the Embassy’s campaign to promote fresh fruits, the Embassy, through the Office of the Agriculture Attaché, served fresh fruits as refreshments and tokens of appreciation.
The International Friendship Exchange Council, founded in 1983 as a non-profit organization, seeks to foster international understanding and strengthen ties. Previous collaborations with the Embassy have included business forums in January 2020, May 2021, and May 2023, helping to maintain the Philippines as a top consideration for Japanese companies’ investment or expansion plans.
PEZA Deputy Director General Maria Veronica Magsino presented on the advantages of investing in the Philippines and the wide scope of business opportunities in the country.
