Japan's sogo shoshas urged to invest in PH supply chain
Government's investment promotion agencies (IPAs) led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are pursuing Japanese sogo shoshas or conglomerates to invest in the country's manufacturing supply chain, industrial and the small and medium enterprise (SME) sectors.
DTI's Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Osaka organized the Philippine Investment Roadshow that consisted of high-level executives from Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD), and Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC), presented a diverse range of business opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure development, energy, and real estate to Japanese sogo shoshas last Nov. 15 to 17 in Osaka, Japan.
Sogo shoshas are Japanese companies that trade in a wide range of products and materials.
The delegation showcased the significant opportunities for Japanese companies in the Philippines' major freeports and economic zones.
“We are here to encourage investments in manufacturing, infrastructure development, and innovation. Our objective is clear: to extend a warm invitation to Japanese conglomerates and SMEs,” PTIC Osaka Commercial Counselor Michael Alfred V. Ignacio said.
Ignacio further invited participants to engage in meaningful dialogues and forge connections paving the way for stronger economic partnerships between the Philippines and Japan.
One of the primary objectives of the business mission is working towards building the Philippine manufacturing supply chain and industrial ecosystem through extending active invitations and generating investment leads from Osaka and Kansai's SMEs.
Recognizing that SMEs are the lifeblood of Japan's economy, comprising 99.7 percent of all companies, the roadshow aspired to encourage these enterprises to play an integral part in supporting the operations of major Japanese locators already established in the Philippines.
The Philippine Investment Roadshow featured an investment forum, business matching sessions, and strategic engagements and company visits which were designed to optimize the networking and promotion opportunities for the members of the Philippine delegation with their Japanese counterparts.
PTIC also partnered with the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka, The Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Osaka Business Partner Cities Council, and Japan Bank for International Cooperation.