Manila, Philippines—The Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Osaka (PTIC-Osaka) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully hosted a four-day business mission to the Philippines for the Kyoto Employers Association (KEA)from June 21 to 24, 2025, aimed at strengthening Philippines-Japan trade, labor, and investment ties.
The high-level mission brought 11 senior executives and company presidents from Kyoto’s leading industries—manufacturing, finance, real estate, and services—to explore strategic partnerships with Philippine institutions and enterprises. KEA is one of Kyoto’s four major economic associations and plays a significant role in driving international business engagement in the Kansai Region.
The visit was organized in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), BDO Unibank, and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), with full support from the DTI-Foreign Trade Service Corps Coordinating Office.
In Manila, the delegation received a country briefing from JETRO Manila, followed by a business exchange with PCCI, which committed to connecting KEA firms with local SMEs through its SME Committee and Philippines-Japan Business Council. BDO Unibank hosted a working luncheon and investment seminar on doing business in the Philippines, while also providing logistical and interpretation support throughout the mission.
The group also met with the DMW to discuss workforce collaboration, focusing on the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) framework. A highlight of the mission was a visit to CREOTEC, a cutting-edge vocational training facility that showcased the Philippines’ technical talent in electronics, automation, and industrial trades.
“This mission highlights our strategy to generate meaningful investments from Japanese SMEs—who comprise 99.7% of Japan’s economy—by positioning the Philippines as a strategic partner in co-developing Japan’s manufacturing supply chain and industrial ecosystem,” said Michael Alfred Ignacio, PTIC-Osaka Commercial Counselor and Director. “With our globally sought-after human resource and Japan’s shrinking labor base, the Philippines offers a competitive, strategic, and long-term solution for sustainable growth,” Ignacio added.
As Japan faces rising demographic pressures, KEA companies are increasingly looking to the Philippines not only as a source of skilled labor but also as a hub for complementary manufacturing and regional expansion. The mission underlined the potential for deeper cooperation across talent development, supply chain integration, and innovation-driven economic growth.
The successful visit reflects PTIC-Osaka’s sustained efforts to position the Philippines as a reliable partner for Japanese businesses seeking regional resilience and long-term competitiveness.
For media inquiries: Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Osaka Email: [email protected], [email protected] ♦
Date of Release: 30 June 2025