More Japan companies investing in RP, says Jetro

More Japanese firms are investing in the Philippines, according to the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro), which has intensified the promotion of trade and investments between the two countries.

Among the new prospective Japanese investors are the Torigoe Electric Co. Ltd., Akita C. Ltd., Brother Seiko Co. Ltd., and Hanamura Industries Co. Ltd. which, according to Jetro, are now reviewing their business plans and feasibility studies.

Jetro also announced the ongoing registration of Nissin Precision Machines Co. Ltd. with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Export Zone Authority.

Only recently, the Philippine Tohbe Corp. has inaugurated its plant in Carmelray II Industrial Park, while Nittetsu Micrometal Corporation (Philippines) has started operations at the First Philippines Industrial Park in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Tohbe produces medical components, while Nittetsu makes wire bonding for semi-conductors (gold wire).

This developed after Jetro had conducted an investment survey mission last March as part of its trade and investment promotional program, which included export of Philippine-made products to Japan.

Jetro helped at least two Philippine-based companies, Cambridge Electronics Corporation and Hosokawa Assembly Inc., exhibit their products at the Asia Tech Fair 2001 in Kitakyushu, Japan for that purpose.

The fair was held last Nov. 8-10 at the West Japan Central Exhibition Center wth 2,600 square meters of display area accommodating 100 booths of various Asian exhibitors.

The exhibit showcased electric and electronic parts, supplies, precision machine parts, and related technologies, including component, module, and molding parts and other similar products for the Japanese market.

Jetro Manila also organizes regular monthly industry seminars, market briefings, and business matching and consultation to aggressively promote trade and investments between Japan and the Philippines.

In cooperation with the Japanese government and other private organizations, Jetro provides the necessary trade linkages to assist both Japanese and Filipino firms do business in both markets.

More information can be obtained from the Jetro Library Resources at the 44th floor of Philam Life Tower, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City (tel. 8924376, 8924359, email [email protected]).

The Jetro Library Resources, which is open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, is equipped with VCR tapes, directories, journals, newsletters, and CD Rom on Japanese products, trade associations, statistics, and other market information.