Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual lauded the achievements of the partnership between the Philippines and Japan’s creative industries during the Creative and Sustainable Economy Through Innovation event at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo last Dec. 17.
"Our strategic collaboration with Japan aims to foster dynamic and innovative economies for both countries. These groundbreaking collaborations showcase the boundless potential of our creative industries in propelling inclusive growth and our collective pursuit of sustainable development,” said Pascual.
Pascual was joined by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Yoshida Senko General Manager Kazutoshi Akimoto to discuss and explore the two countries’ bilateral feats in the creative sector at the event, held at the the sidelines of the ASEAN-Japan 50th Year Commemorative Summit.
Pascual cited the efforts of the Philippines and Japan, especially the former in contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Among the bilateral projects recognized by the trade and industry chief was the collaboration between Filipino tree-to-bar chocolate brand Auro Chocolate Japanese tea master brand Kenta Ikeda to create matcha, hojicha, and Philippine cacao blended flavors, which earned gold awards in this year’s International Chocolate Awards World Finals.
Another is the production of Japan’s Banana Cloth, made with bananas produced and exported by the Philippines, which reuses fruit peels into clothing fabric.
Pascual also highlighted the Manila Fashion Festival, in partnership with Go Lifestyle Group and STYLEM Takisada-Osaka Co. Ltd., which featured traditional Filipino designs and indigenous fibers with Japanese fabrics.
Moreover, he commended the work of Japan’s FLAME Ltd. And X PLUS group Neun Farben and Tsuburaya Productions in designing three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics and video production.
“Through innovative partnerships and collaborative efforts showcased in this event, we have affirmed the Philippines' commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainability. Beyond upholding the UN SDGs, let’s work together to empower the creative industries as we usher in a vibrant and creative economy for all,” Pascual said.