Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual welcomed senior executives from Marubeni Corporation to discuss pivotal investment opportunities that could bolster economic ties between the Philippines and Japan. Emphasizing Marubeni’s potential to drive economic growth through strategic infrastructure investments aligned with the Philippines’ renewable energy goals, Secretary Pascual highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the investment climate for Japanese companies.
The discussions focused on government initiatives aimed at creating a more favorable environment for Japanese businesses, including improved infrastructure, fiscal incentives, and streamlined business operations. Secretary Pascual also underscored the DTI’s role in implementing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s food logistics action agenda, which aims to enhance food terminals and logistics systems to ensure food security.
In addition to food security initiatives, Secretary Pascual highlighted investment opportunities in sectors such as value-added processing of agricultural commodities, connectivity, infrastructure, and real estate development. Marubeni, with its long-standing presence since 1909, has been instrumental in key infrastructure projects in the energy sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s energy supply reliability.
Looking towards the future, Marubeni expressed interest in sustainability initiatives, including Smart Grid and Floating Solar projects in New Clark City, and exploration of Offshore Wind Power Projects to harness renewable energy sources in the Philippines. Marubeni’s commitment to environmental stewardship includes a Joint Carbon Credit Program focused on afforestation to combat climate change.
The Philippines government, welcoming Marubeni’s initiatives, reiterated its support for a dynamic business environment conducive to foreign investments, highlighted by recent policy reforms aimed at attracting more foreign direct investments across various sectors.
Secretary Pascual affirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to facilitating a conducive business ecosystem, ensuring streamlined processes for foreign investors navigating the local investment landscape. He expressed confidence that collaboration between the Philippines and Marubeni would unlock new avenues for economic prosperity and mutual benefits.
As Marubeni expands its footprint in sectors ranging from infrastructure to renewable energy, both parties look forward to strengthened economic cooperation and sustainable development initiatives across the Philippines.
