Japanese retail giant Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation (PPIH), operator of the popular Don Quijote and Don Don Donki store chains, has expressed interest in increasing their offering of Philippine-made goods.

In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said top officials of the company disclosed this plan during their meeting with Trade Secretary Cristina Roque in Tokyo on Monday, May 20.

Roque, who is currently in Japan for a trade mission, said the meeting focused on expanding the sourcing of Philippine products across PPIH’s global network of stores.

Aside from Japan, PPIH has presence in North America and other Asian markets.

“We welcome every opportunity to introduce Filipino products to the world—especially through partners who share our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence,” said Roque.

According to the DTI, the retail giant is interested in expanding the visibility of Philippine goods in the form of standalone Philippine-branded products and as components for Japanese-packaged offerings.

In particular, PPIH identified food and wellness products, natural and sustainable home goods, and unique lifestyle products as key areas of sourcing interest.

It likewise shared its intention to connect directly with more Philippine exporters and manufacturers to gain better access to “new and trending products.”

The DTI said the company’s interest in sourcing local goods reflects the value and cultural appeal of these products, which presents a substantial prospect for exporters.

“As we work toward a more dynamic and future-ready Bagong Pilipinas, engagements like this underscore our dedication to creating new market avenues for Filipino enterprises,” Roque said.

The trade secretary said the government is ready to assist PPIH and other Japanese companies in identifying and onboarding suppliers that meet international standards.

On the flip side, she said solutions are being prepared to address regulatory and packaging requirements to facilitate a smoother entry of Philippine products into Japan and other foreign retail markets.

“As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global economy, we are guided by a fundamental principle: alone we can only do so little, but together, we can achieve so much,” said Roque.

Opening a Don Quijote or Don Don Donki store in the Philippines remains as a “long-term consideration” for PPIH.

However, executives of the company acknowledged that a successful sourcing partnership with the government and exporters could help influence their future expansion plans.