Ambassador Laurel Delivers Opening Remarks at Japan-Philippines Business Investment Forum

Ambassador Laurel delivering his speech during the JP-PH Busines Investment Forum 2017

30 October 2017 TOKYO  ̶  The Nikkei Business Publications, Inc., in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, organized the Japan-Philippines Business Investment Forum last October 17. The objective of the Forum was to provide the Japanese business community with valuable information through the presentations of Philippine government officials, Philippine private sector and Japanese companies with commercial interests in the country. The Forum also highlighted the economic achievements of the Duterte Administration.

In his greeting, H.E. Jose C. Laurel V, Philippine Ambassador to Japan, gave an overview of the Philippines’ economy, specifically on its competitive advantages to other trade, investment and tourism destinations. He likewise encouraged participants to partake in the investment opportunities available in the country.

DTI Undersecretary Barba delivering his keynote speech on the Philippines as a competitive ASEAN destination for Japanese companies

His message was followed by keynote speeches from Undersecretary Rowel S. Barba, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Mr. Yoshio Amano, Former General Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation-Manila Branch. The Vice President of Ubicom Holdings, Inc., Mr. Tadashi Ishikawa, likewise delivered a special speech on the Philippines’ software industries and its impact on the digitalization and digital transformation of business partners.

Ambassador Laurel (center) with DTI Undersecretary Barba (left) and BCDA President and CEO Dizon (right)

After the speeches, 3 panel sessions took place. These sessions focused on: 1) the business environment in the Philippines and opportunities for Japanese companies; 2) the infrastructure development in the Philippines and the anticipated role of Japan toward the former’s sustainable economic growth; and 3) the Philippines as a tourism and after-retirement destination. The Forum ended with a networking session for participating attendees. END

For more information, visit www.tokyope.dfa.gov.ph / www.tokyo.philembassy.net / https://www.facebook.com/PH.Embassy.Tokyo.