President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday met with members of the Economic Cooperation Committees of Japan at Malacañang Palace to strengthen business relations with Japanese investors and enterprises.

According to Palace press officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, the meeting formed part of the 42nd annual joint meeting between the Philippines and Japan.

“Aside from strengthening ties, the meeting also aims to explore economic and business opportunities for the benefit of both countries’ economies,” she said.

Castro said discussions centered on trade, investment, infrastructure development, and the enhancement of human resources and tourism cooperation between the two countries.

Among those present were Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJECC) Chairman Alfred V. Ty; Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee Chairman Masumi Kakinoki; JPECC Co-Chairman Seiji Imai; Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya; PHILJECC Co-Chairman Ferdinand Ferrer; Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano; Executive Secretary Ralph Recto; Trade Secretary Cristina Roque; and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

In 1974, PHILJECC and JPECC signed a special economic cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening mutually beneficial ties between the two countries through expanded trade, economic collaboration, and scientific and technological exchange.

The partnership promotes the sharing of economic information, foreign trade data, and regulatory frameworks, while supporting business initiatives in both nations.

The two groups hold an annual joint meeting, alternating between the Philippines and Japan, to discuss business and socioeconomic conditions, developments in trade and commerce, and potential areas for investment and further cooperation.