Tokyo, Japan –– On March 4, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque engaged senior executives of Japan’s biggest industry organizations, Keidanren and Keizai Doyukai, in a dialogue on Philippine-Japan economic relations anchored on mutual economic growth and collective solutions to new challenges brought about by dynamic changes in the global order.

“The Philippines and Japan share a deep-rooted history of cooperation, and our economic partnership is a cornerstone of this relationship. Through our longstanding collaboration with Keidanren and Keizai Doyukai, our two nations are leveraging our complementary strengths to drive mutual growth and prosperity,” Secretary Roque highlighted.

“Together, we are building a future where world-class industries, cutting-edge technology, and top talent converge to propel sustained prosperity for our people and the region,” the trade chief underscored.

Keidanren: Building a free and open economy

Secretary Roque’s discussion with Keidanren centered on the business federation’s flagship event, the Asia Business Summit (ABS), a global platform for business leaders from 12 Asian economies to exchange insights, address shared challenges, and develop a joint statement of recommendations for their respective governments.

A member since its inception in 2010, the Philippines is set to host the highly anticipated 14^th Asia Business Summit in July 2025. Secretary Roque underlined this as a unique opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ open, innovative, and sustainable economy.

“The ABS, initiated by Keidanren in 2010, has become a vital platform for Asian business leaders to discuss regional economic issues. This year, the summit holds special significance as the Philippines takes on the role of host for the first time,” the trade secretary emphasized.

She also recalled past successful collaborations, including the 2021 Philippine Economic Briefing and the 2024 ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit engagements.

“Building on these successful engagements, we seek Keidanren’s continued partnership for the upcoming 14th ABS. We believe their expertise and insights will be invaluable in addressing the summit’s key themes of innovation, free and fair trade, carbon neutrality, and digital transformation,” she stated.

“Keidanren stands as Japan’s most influential business federation, representing over 1,500 leading companies and playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic policies and international trade strategies,” said Special Trade Representative (STR) Dita Angara-Mathay, head of DTI’s field office in Japan. “As we work together to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, our partnership with Keidanren remains instrumental in promoting economic resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity across the region.”

The DTI and Keidanren committed to closely collaborate on the ABS 2025, recognizing its significance in elevating the economies of the Philippines and ultimately setting the course of Asia’s future.

Though no substantive discussions on the topics were made at the meeting, Keidanren executives registered their interest in the Philippines’ accession to the CPTPP and regional trade dynamics resulting from significant changes in the US trade policy under the Trump administration

Keizai Doyukai: Boosting Skills Exchange

In a similar thrust, Secretary Roque expressed optimism for the Japan-ASEAN Talent Circulation Platform (JATCP) during her meeting with Keizai Doyukai or the Japan Association of Corporate Executives. This initiative aligns with the Philippines’s goal to create an inclusive environment for skills exchange.

Key discussions centered on addressing the language barriers, expanding talent circulation, and amplifying talent match making. Proposed solutions included initially targeting Japanese industries with minimal language requirements while gradually integrating language training programs to enhance workforce adaptability.

The panel also seeks to address talent circulation concerns by aligning the training programs with Japanese industry standards and expanding their workshops from existing workers to new graduates.

Moreover, the panel determined the demand to elevate the talent matchmaking from company-to-company discussions to national level coordination for a more practical implementation.

Initially explored during the 50th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting in 2024, the platform seeks to align skills development, streamline talent mobility policies, and address workforce shortages.

“Keizai Doyukai brings together over 1,600 top executives from 1,100 leading corporations in Japan. The partnership between PHILJEC and Keizai Doyukai is a vital bridge that not only upskills Filipino talent but also helps address Japan’s pressing labor shortage,” said STR Dita Angara-Mathay.

“Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippines is committed to working closely with Keizai Doyukai and other stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities associated with talent circulation. We believe that by fostering a sustainable ecosystem for human resource exchange, we can enhance the competitiveness of both our nations and drive sustainable development in the region,” Secretary Roque stated.

An Open and Dynamic Philippine Economy

The DTI’s strategic cooperation with Keidanren and Keizai Doyukai signifies active engagement of the Japanese business sector, reinforcing the Philippines’ stride as a leading investment destination and a center for human capital. These partnerships are poised to drive significant foreign direct investment, accelerate technology and innovation transfer, enhance human capital development.

“Partnerships with the key industry players allows us to leverage their expertise, technological advancements, and best practices to drive innovation, enhance workforce capabilities, and create more high-value opportunities. Through these partnerships, we attract sustainable investments and support our broader aspirations,” STR Angara-Mathay stated.

“Our strengthened ties with Japanese key industry players are a direct investment in the Philippines’ economic future. We are building an environment that attracts foreign capital and fosters the development of a highly skilled workforce. This collaboration is about creating tangible opportunities for growth and innovation. Working hand-in-hand with Keidanren and Keizai Doyukai, we are solidifying the Philippines as a premier destination for investment and a hub for top talent in the region,” Secretary Roque reaffirmed. ♦

Date of release: 07 March 2025

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