By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has secured investment pledges worth $3.4 billion (approximately P210 billion) from top Japanese companies during a high-level business roundtable in Japan on Wednesday, opening more opportunities for trade, tourism, and technology partnerships that will benefit Filipinos.
In a news release, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) described the investment commitments as a strong vote of confidence in the Marcos Jr. administration’s economic agenda.
“These combined capital inflows are projected to catalyze substantive macroeconomic benefits, expanding domestic industrial capacity and directly generating thousands of high-quality, specialized jobs for Filipinos,” the PCO said.
“Beyond immediate employment, this strategic financial infusion underscores the resilience of the Philippine market, promising long-term economic dividends by fortifying local supply chains, upgrading tourism infrastructure, and accelerating technology transfers across critical growth sectors.”
During the meeting, the President assured Japanese partners of the administration’s continuous push to improve the Philippine business environment, recognizing trade and tourism as not just supporting sectors but vital “engines” of long-term economic growth.
“We will continue to strengthen our economy, improve our systems and build an environment where your investments do not just enter the Philippines but grow, succeed, and endure in the Philippines—because our goal is not short-term goal, it is shared prosperity across many generations,” he said.
The Chief Executive likewise emphasized the importance of forging a robust Philippines-Japan economic corridor amid global challenges, including the energy volatility and supply chain disruptions.
“As we mark 70 years of the normalization of our diplomatic relations, we are no longer simply commemorating history… We are entering a new chapter—a chapter defined not only by friendship but by deeper integration, shared growth, and a common belief in the future,” he said.
Marcos also recognized the contributions of several Japanese firms operating in the Philippines, including All Nippon Airways, Toyota, Mitsubishi Corporation, Marubeni, Panasonic, and Fast Retailing, for their continued confidence in the Philippine economy and contributions to creating high-quality employment opportunities.
“You are no longer just investors in our economy. You are builders of it,” he said.
Deals signed
President Marcos, meanwhile, witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between the Philippines’ Ayala Group and leading Japanese companies in Tokyo, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in digital innovation, financial technology, and smart urban development.
According to the PCO, Ayala Group formalized agreements with Mitsubishi Corporation, MUFG Bank, and KDDI Corporation during a signing ceremony at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan.
The agreements are expected to “advance collaboration in intelligent city solutions, digital finance, marketing technology, and AI-driven infrastructure.”
In a Facebook post, Marcos underscored the importance of the said partnerships in not just driving innovation and creating more opportunities in the Philippines, but also making services more efficient and accessible for Filipinos.
He said that the MOUs will “help expand GCash services, strengthen cybersecurity and digital payments, improve transportation and connectivity through intelligent city technologies and open new opportunities for Filipino businesses in the digital economy.”
Marcos’ meeting with top Japanese business executives is part of his four-day state visit to Japan aimed at strengthening defense and political ties as well as economic partnership between Manila and Tokyo. (with report from Kenneth Paciente / PTV News)
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