President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday received strong support from several premier Japanese business organizations that expressed readiness to help his administration’s development agenda.
This, after the President attended a short meeting with luncheon organizers in Tokyo, where the President is on a five-day official visit.
Among those who expressed support for the Philippine government’s development priorities were representatives from Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), SUMITOMO CHEMICAL Co., Ltd., Sompo Holdings, Inc., and Marubeni Corporation.
Masakazu Tokura, Keidanren chairman and SUMITOMO CHEMICAL Co., Ltd. board chairman, said the dramatically changing situation globally has pushed the Philippines and Japan’s ties to be “more important than ever.”
“We are very truly honored to have this opportunity to meet with all of you. The Philippine and Japan share a fundamental value of freedom and democracy,” said Tokura.
President Marcos, in his speech, noted how micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) “had a very tough time during the lockdowns,” with many trying their best to stay afloat amid challenging times.
The President said Japan’s assistance has become “central to our policy, for the recovery and the transformation of the Philippine economy.”
“I think it is the same experience that you have had in Japan as in the Philippines where the [MSMEs] have had a very, very rough time during the lockdowns and many have gone out of business, many have tried their best to stay and support their employees,” the President said.
“Nonetheless, we have made all the efforts that we can possibly do so as to bolster and make a more active… to bring into the new economy even the MSMEs… to include them in our digitalization, to include them in the policy changes that we feel we had to make so to encourage again MSMEs,” the chief executive added.
It is Marcos’ first visit to Japan as President, anchored on fortifying the two countries’ longstanding close economic relations.
Prior to meeting with Japanese businessmen during the luncheon, President Marcos witnessed the signing of 35 Letters of Intent (LOI) on investments and agreements between the Philippines and leading Japanese firms.
Marcos thanked Japanese companies and partners for “considering the Philippines as a place and as a partner to grow your businesses.” #
