The Philippine government is ready to do more business with Japan, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said as he welcomed Japanese and Filipino business leaders in Malacañang.
In his speech during the 42nd Annual Joint Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Committees of the Philippines and Japan at the Goldenberg Mansion on Thursday, Recto said there was an alignment of mutually beneficial programs and policies that would yield benefits for two strong allies.
"The Philippines is ready to do more business with you. We understand that investors do not ask for favors, only fairness, predictability, and speed," Recto said
"You want clear rules. You want a coordinated government. And you want decisions made before opportunities expire. That is exactly what we are working to deliver," he added.
He said the government aims to make doing business in the Philippines easier, faster, and more reliable.
"When you invest in the Philippines, you gain more than a huge market who equates Made by Japan for high craftsmanship," he added.
Trade between the two nations reached about P1.27 trillion last year, with the Philippines posting a surplus, making Japan the country’s second-largest trading partner.
Recto said Japan was also the top source of foreign direct investments, pouring in P42.5 billion in the first 11 months of 2025.
He cited the Metro Manila Subway as “Exhibit A of Japan being a premium brand,” saying its reputation precedes it because of its Japanese provenance.
"Invest here, and you also gain a skilled and adaptable workforce. A strategic location in a rapidly growing region. And a government committed to being a partner," Recto said.
"Your technology and discipline, combined with Filipino talent and creativity, create something powerful: industries that last and partnerships that endure," he added.
Recto said people-to-people exchanges were likewise increasing, with nearly 407,000 Japanese visiting the Philippines in the first 11 months of 2025, while 825,000 Filipinos traveled to Japan last year following relaxed visa rules.
“If you come here for sand, sea, and surf, we go there for Sapporo, Shibuya, and Shinsaibashi,” Recto said, describing the exchanges as “luxury experiences, yet affordable, that deepen the bonds of the two friendliest peoples on earth.”
"True partners do not arrive only for opportunities. They stay for the journey. Investment, after all, is optimism with a balance sheet that yields mutual benefits," he added.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored Japan’s role as a strategic partner in advancing trade, investments, and quality infrastructure collaboration.
The President welcomed delegates of the Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee and the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. during a courtesy call ahead of their 42nd Annual Joint Meeting in Manila.
In his remarks, Marcos said their presence reflected the “strong and enduring economic partnership” between the Philippines and Japan and a shared commitment to regional growth and stability.
During the meeting, the delegates and Marcos exchanged views on the Philippines’ economic priorities, ongoing reforms, and investment pipeline, while identifying concrete opportunities to expand trade, increase investments, and strengthen business partnerships.
Japan remains one of the country’s most valued strategic partners, particularly in trade, investment, and quality infrastructure, with both sides working to promote resilient supply chains, inclusive growth, and deeper regional economic integration.
Key investment areas highlighted for Japanese firms include semiconductors and electronics, automotive manufacturing, including electric vehicles, aerospace, and the renewable energy value chain.
