17 Japanese firms eye local partners

MANILA, Philippines — Seventeen Japanese firms are looking for partners in the Philippines to offer their technologies and products in agriculture, disaster risk reduction and environment.

During a business matching event organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., JICA Philippines chief representative Takema Sakamoto said that 17 Japanese private companies were invited to take part in the event and meet potential customers, partners, distributors and investors in the Philippines.

While these firms are looking for potential customers, investors and distributors, they also aim to contribute to the Philippines’ sustainable development by bringing their expertise and experience.

Japanese firm that are involved in the agriculture sector are E-supportlink Ltd. (fresh vegetables and fruits) Kuwanosato Inc. (mulberry tea) and Takara Inc. (black garlic).

Meanwhile, companies Aster Co. Ltd., lida Ironsmith Co. Ltd., and Spectee Inc. have specially designed products for disaster risk reduction and management.

Also part of the business matching are Japanese companies Advantec Philippines Inc., BEMAC Electric Transportation Philippines Inc., FujiClean Co. Ltd., Hinodesangyo Co. Ltd., Kanazawa Engineering Systems Inc., Nihon Genryo Co. Ltd., Nippon Steel Engineering Co. Ltd., Phil Japan Worldwide Management Services Inc., SM GUUN Environmental Company Inc., Takaoka Toko Co. Ltd. and TAU Corp. These companies are engaged in a wide range of environment-related innovative products and services for water and wastewater treatment system, renewable energy and plant engineering.

These companies have also worked with JICA Philippines under its Public-Private Partnership Promotion Program.

While JICA supports development initiatives in the Philippines by providing official development assistance, Sakamoto said the agency also promotes private-sector business deployments between the Philippines and Japan.

“JICA’s support drives sustainable economic growth, job creation and better quality of life in this lovely country. Indeed, the unique and advanced technologies, know-how, and business models offered by Japanese companies can contribute to solving a wide range of development challenges,” he said.

He said that business partnerships forged from business matching are expected to significantly contribute to deeper ties between the two countries.

For JICA, the business matching event is an impactful step in continuing cooperation between the Philippines and Japan.

To strengthen ties and help achieve quality growth, JICA intends to continue working with the Philippine government and private sector to bridge economic and social gaps.