PHL hoping to tap Japanese industry for digitization push, climate change projects

THE PHILIPPINES is hoping to solicit greater Japanese participation in the post-pandemic economic recovery, with a focus on digitization, climate change adaptation, and infrastructure, a Tokyo-based Filipino diplomat said.

At a meeting of ambassadors and Japanese businesses Friday, Philippine Embassy in Japan Charge d’Affaires Robespierre L. Bolivar said that the Philippines is looking forward to working with the Japanese business sector in bringing forward regional integration and connectivity within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“The areas identified by the Keidanren (the Japan Business Federation) on cooperation, co-creation and new growth areas converge with the Philippines’ major economic programs, specifically on infrastructure, trade and investment, climate change, disaster risk reduction and management, and digital transformation,” Mr. Bolivar said.

The Keidanren counts as its members 1,444 companies, 109 industry associations, and regional economic organizations in all 47 of Japan’s prefectures.

The Philippines considers “ASEAN as its family and Japan as a friend closer than a brother, and these strong ties make us natural partners,” Mr. Bolivar added. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan