PHILJEC, JPECC Welcome Guests to 36th Joint Meeting with Focus on “Build, Build, Build”

March 24, 2018by Philip Sanvictores in PHILJEC

Members of Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (PHILJEC) and its counterpart, Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee (JPECC) convened last February 22, 2018 for their 36th joint meeting held at the New World Hotel in Makati City. This year’s meeting focused on the theme “Build, Build, Build: The Duterte Administration’s Infrastructure Plan for Sustainable Growth” and had top-level diplomats, representatives from the Japanese business community, and Filipino industry leaders as speakers and attendees.

PHILJEC and JPECC Chairmen Atty. Aniceto G. Saludo, Jr. and Mr. Teruo Asada respectively welcomed the participants with their opening remarks, both stating that the two countries are in a “Golden Age of Partnership”. In their speeches, the two chairmen emphasized the much-needed infrastructure projects such as the first major subway in Metro Manila and other railway projects in South and North Luzon and how the cooperation and strong political will in completing these projects will surely sustain Philippine economic growth and revitalize Japan’s economy as well.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan, Jose C. Laurel V, read the congratulatory message from President Rodrigo Duterte, while Ambassador Koji Haneda read that of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Excerpt from President Duterte’s Message:

Japan has been among our country’s largest investors and trading partners while Philippine companies and workers have likewise contributed to the dynamism and vibrancy of the Japanese economy.

I look forward to this joint meeting, as it will not only have the potential of expanding cooperation to other emerging sectors, but will also serve as a lynchpin for greater stability and peace within our region (read full message).

Excerpt from Prime Minister Abe’s Message:

Top-level diplomatic and bilateral Japan-Philippines relations have never been as close and vibrant as they are today. I sincerely welcome the development of various infrastructure facilities in the Philippines through the “Build, Build, Build” policy spearheaded by the Duterte Administration. Japan will continue to contribute vigorously towards the improvement of Philippine infrastructure in order to boost it up to even higher.

I congratulate PHILJEC and JPECC for holding today’s meeting and hope that you will have a most fruitful and productive conference leading to even deeper Japan-Philippines economic relations (read full message).

Also present to give the keynote address was National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Ernesto Pernia and Special Guest Speaker, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade who entertained questions regarding the implementation of the “Build, Build, Build” Program.

For this year’s meeting, two plenary sessions were held featuring presentations from significant players in the infrastructure projects. BDO Capital and Investment Corporation President, Mr. Eduardo V. Francisco and JICA Philippines Chief Representative, Mr. Susumu Ito discussed the financial aspects in the first plenary session. This included details about funding sources both from Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and from the local private sector.

In the second plenary session, presentations from various corporations and their participation in the ““Build, Build, Build” Program were presented. Speakers included CEOs, General Managers, and Chairmen from multinational companies in both the construction and transportation industries: