IBPAP, DTI-EMB strengthen ties with Japan

CEBU, Philippines — The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), successfully concluded a business mission to Japan aimed at deepening economic ties and exploring collaborative opportunities between the two nations.

As the world’s second-largest hub for Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) services, the Philippines showcased its capacity to deliver world-class solutions across diverse industries.

“By strengthening partnerships with other nations, we are further positioning the Philippines as an investment hub for IT-BPM services. This creates more opportunities for growth and innovation that benefit both the IT-BPM sector and the Philippine economy,” said IBPAP President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jack Madrid.

The four-day initiative, held from October 22 to 25, 2024, featured engagements with leading Japanese firms and premier events such as Japan IT Week, the HDI Conference, and the Philippine IT-BPM Business Forum.

At the forum, IBPAP Chief Operating Officer Celeste Ilagan highlighted the Philippines’ unique advantages as an IT-BPM destination, including a skilled workforce, cost-competitiveness, and a robust business ecosystem.

A notable component was a business-to-business (B2B) matching session, connecting over 50 representatives from various Japanese companies with 14 Philippine IT-BPM firms. This opened doors for potential partnerships and collaborations, further boosting investor confidence.

The delegation comprised representatives from 14 Philippine IT-BPM firms, including industry leaders such as Accenture, Action Labs, Alliance Software, Asticom, AWS, BCS Technology, CXI Services, Inc., Exist Software Labs, Inc., Inspiro, SGV, TechShake, Tsukiden Global Solutions, Inc., TTEC, and Wesery Systmes Innternational, Inc.

Organized in collaboration with Tatak Pinoy, Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), Board of Investments (BOI), HDI-Japan, and Techshake, the mission emphasized the Philippines’ position as a global IT-BPM powerhouse.

IBPAP, the industry’s leading association, is vital in driving the sector’s competitiveness and innovation. With over 400 member companies, the organization continues to champion the Philippines as the global premier destination for IT-BPM services.

This milestone business mission signifies a step forward in fostering international partnerships, further strengthening the Philippines’ standing in the global IT-BPM landscape, Madrid added. — (FREEMAN)