The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has lured the management of notable Japanese clothing brand UNIQLO to place its manufacturing site in the Philippines.

“We are currently revitalizing our textile and fashion design industry and would be very interested in exploring the possibility of being a candidate for your partner factory model program,” said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque during her meeting with the management of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., which operates multiple fashion brands, including UNIQLO, GU, and Theory, at UNIQLO City in Tokyo, Japan.

Roque also extolled the Japanese brand for its impressive performance in the Philippines and its positive contributions to the economy, adding that she is impressed by UNIQLO's advocacy for sustainability under its "Unlocking the Power of Clothing" initiative.

“The Philippines is fully committed to working with global retailers like UNIQLO who share a vision of responsible sourcing and environmental consciousness,” Roque told Mr. Daisuke Tsukagoshi, the global CEO of UNIQLO; Fast Retailing Director Koji Yanai; and Keiko Mayuzumi, the Global Environmental Management Sustainability Director of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

The Department of Trade and Industry chief noted that placing UNIQLO’s factory in the Philippines through the factory model program would be beneficial to both parties, as the company’s expertise and the Philippine supply chains not only reduce shipping time and lower costs but also improve sustainability by minimizing the carbon footprint.

“The DTI is prepared to facilitate connections with weaving communities, sustainable fabric producers and designers with eco-friendly mindset to help UNIQLO establish a more reliable local supply base. To showcase our sustainability efforts and the richness of Filipino craftsmanship, we would like you to consider pop-up showcases in major UNIQLO stores in the Philippines,” Roque further enthused.

 She said the endeavor could feature sustainable Philippine products and could coincide with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.

In 2024, Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. reported a 25 percent year-on-year jump in net profit to 371.9 billion yen ($2.5 billion).

“However, same-store sales subsequently increased by 11.7 percent year-on-year in the second half from 1 March through 31 August 2024 thanks to consistently high temperatures,” the company said in a statement.