The trade mission led by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go in Japan has resulted in over P23.5 billion in confirmed investments from Japanese companies looking to expand or establish new ventures in the Philippines.

“The past few days have seen me, alongside SAPIEA Frederick Go, meeting with Japanese business leaders to encourage them to invest in the Philippines. Representing both the government and private sectors, those we engaged with expressed excitement and enthusiasm about collaborating with us, inspired by the positive developments they’ve heard about our country — our robust economic fundamentals and reformed policies and regulations,” Roque said in a message to the media on Wednesday.

She noted that Japanese investors were particularly drawn to the recently enacted Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Law. The law offers enhanced tax incentives, streamlined processes, and greater opportunities for businesses to thrive in the country.

“The companies we met span diverse industries, including renewable energy, railways, fashion, IT, BPO, AI, and even entertainment. Many expressed interest in expanding their existing operations or establishing new ventures in our country,” Roque added.

Global roadshows to attract more investors

Earlier, Secretary Go announced plans for investment roadshows in key markets such as South Korea, the United States, China, and Japan to promote the incentives and benefits under CREATE MORE.

“I leave Japan energized by the strong interest shown by these potential investors, which I hope will translate into actual investments that create employment opportunities for our people,” Roque said.

Nidec Corp. expansion talks

As part of the trade mission, Secretaries Roque and Go met with Nidec Corporation on 3 March to discuss expanding its manufacturing operations in the Philippines.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), discussions focused on Nidec's existing gearbox production and its interest in entering humanoid robotics manufacturing, leveraging the Philippines' skilled workforce and strong manufacturing ecosystem.

Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, Roque reaffirmed the DTI's commitment to working closely with Nidec and other stakeholders to maximize investment opportunities, boost economic growth, and position the Philippines as a key player in the global high-tech manufacturing industry.

Meeting with Ibiden Co., Ltd.

Roque and Go also held high-level strategic talks with Ibiden Co., Ltd., a global leader in semiconductor substrate technology, highlighting the Philippines' role in the global semiconductor value chain and its push for high-tech manufacturing investments.

The discussions focused on Ibiden’s advanced substrate technologies, its current operations in the Philippines, and strategic expansion opportunities. As Japan’s sole manufacturer of these critical semiconductor components, Ibiden supplies major industry players, including Intel.

Roque assured the company of the Philippine government’s commitment to fostering a competitive and supportive environment for semiconductor manufacturing while maintaining strict environmental standards.

She also underscored the government’s proactive approach to attracting further investments in cutting-edge technologies, ensuring the Philippines remains a competitive player in the global semiconductor industry.

Through these investment initiatives, the Marcos administration aims to advance the industrialization and economic transformation goals under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda.