The 40th PHILJEC and JPECC joint meeting forges stronger Japan-Philippines relations for the next decade

April 15, 2024by secretariat in JPECC, PHILJEC tagged , ,

The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (PHILJEC) and its counterpart, the Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee (JPECC), held their 40th annual joint meeting on March 15, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global City. Themed “Stronger Philippines-Japan Relations in the Next 10 Years – Japan, a Strategic Partner of the Philippines”, the meeting was structured into four plenary sessions: (1) CREATE Law – Enhancing Philippine Competitiveness; (2) Large-Scale Food Production Imperatives for the Philippines; (3) Harnessing Filipino Human Resources; and (4) Triggers for Increased Japanese Investments in the Philippines. The Meeting was keynoted by BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona. Congratulatory Messages from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio were also received.

The 40-man JPECC delegation was headed by Mr. HIRAKO Yuji, Vice-Chairman of ANA Holdings, Corporation.  A day before the Meeting, PHILJEC arranged a courtesy call by JPECC on Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista and the Department of Transport Management Team composed of the Department’s five Undersecretaries.

In his welcome remarks, PHILJEC Chairman and Science Park of the Philippines Inc. President Richard I. Osmond said that “the friendship and business cooperation between Japan and the Philippines started way beyond 50 years ago” while noting that the two countries’ relations face “bigger challenges as the world is drastically changing in terms of its climate, economic and business landscape, and culture.” In his response, JPECC Chairman Hirako noted that there are now over 200,000 Filipinos working in Japan, a number that is expected to steadily increase in view of Japan’s ageing and declining population.  He expressed hope that highly skilled Filipino professionals will gain meaningful, long-term employment in Japan.

PHILJEC was established 50 years ago (1974) and has since served as the primary counterpart of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) and Keizai Douyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives). PHILJEC Chairman Osmond heads a 10-man Board assisted by his two co-Chairmen Alfred V. Ty, Chairman of Toyota Motor Philippines, Inc. and Ferdinand A. Ferrer, President CEO of Gruppo EMS and Chairman of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI).

Reference Materials

PHILJEC celebrates 50th Foundation Anniversary

November 20, 2023by secretariat in PHILJEC tagged , , , ,

On November 8, 2023, the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (PHILJEC) commemorated its 50th Foundation Anniversary with a grand celebration at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Guests were warmly welcomed into the Grand Ballroom by PHILJEC officials: Chairman Richard Albert I. Osmond, Co-Chairman Alfred V. Ty, and Co-Chairman Ferdinand A. Ferrer. The evening began with cocktails, followed by a formal reception. The venue was adorned with congratulatory flower stands from ten PHILJEC trustees and President Shigeru Shimoda of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc. (JCCIPI), reflecting the strong support from both Filipino and Japanese stakeholders.

Chairman Osmond opened the program with his welcome remarks, setting the tone for the evening. He was followed by messages from distinguished guests: H.E. KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines, and Mr. Francis C. Laurel, former PHILJEC Chairman (2005-2008). 

In his speech, Mr. Osmond reflected on the deep-rooted history of Philippines-Japan relations, stating, “…the friendship and business cooperation between Japan and the Philippines started way beyond 50 years ago. The bigger interesting challenge is the next 50 years ahead as the world is drastically changing in terms of its climate, economic and business landscape, and culture.”

Ambassador Koshikawa expressed his hopes for the continued strengthening of bilateral ties, emphasizing PHILJEC’s role in fostering collaboration. “I do hope that as PHILJEC continues its legacy, more and more Japanese companies will create lasting impact on the Philippine society. Together, we will strengthen and take advantage of our Golden Age of partnership, fifty years and beyond,” he said.

Mr. Laurel highlighted the growing synergy between the two nations and PHILJEC’s pivotal role in nurturing this relationship. “Our efficiency and effectiveness has been proven through the years. The leadership of PHILJEC is remarkable and outstanding. It is therefore with great pride that we all celebrate PHILJEC’s 50th anniversary,” he remarked.

Video messages from Her Excellency Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines to Japan, and Mr. HIRAKO Yuji, Chairman of the Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee, were also shared during the program.

Co-Chairman Ferrer led a celebratory toast, followed by dinner and a musical performance by the LG Strings Trio. Guests were treated to a commemorative video showcasing PHILJEC’s milestones, past chairmen, and joint meetings — highlighting the organization’s rich history and achievements.

The event was concluded with closing remarks from Co-Chairman Ty, who expressed his gratitude to Japan and its people for their friendship with the Philippines and the Filipinos. At the end, he said, “Our journey of economic cooperation has come a long way. I am confident, however, that even better days lie ahead for our relationship. I thank the Japanese people for extending their hand of friendship and I know we, Filipinos, will continue to extend our hand, too. As we look ahead, I believe that our enduring ties of the last 50 years will become only stronger and deeper.”

Welcome Remarks of Mr. Richard Albert I. Osmond
Message from H. E. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano
Message from H. E. KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko
Message from Mr. HIRAKO Yuji
Message from Mr. Francis C. Laurel
Closing Remarks of Mr. Alfred V. Ty

Charter Members

CHARTER MEMBERS
(1973)

1. Emilio Abello22. Benjamin Gozon43. Filemon C. Rodriguez
2. Jose M. Abello23. Domingo M. Guevara44. Ramon V. del Rosario
3. Eduardo J. Aboitiz24. Victor G. Guevara45. Sixto K. Roxas
4. Edgardo J. Angara25. Vicente R. Jayme46. Luciano E. Salazar
5. J. Antonio Araneta26. Jose S. Laurel III47. Dante Santos
6. Renato Arevalo27. Ricardo P. de Leon48. Feliciano S. Sarmiento
7. Chester G. Babst28. Dominador L. Lim49. Benjamin F. Sanvictores
8. Henry A. Brimo29. Manuel Lim, Jr.50. Jose M. Soriano
9. Jesus S. Cabarrus, Sr.30. Patricio L. Lim51. David SyCip
10. Agustin A. Cancio31. Victor A. Lim52. Bienvenido R. Tantoco, Sr.
11. Gil E. Carlos32. Miguel A. Magsaysay53. Wilfredo C. Tecson
12. Antonio A. Chuidian33. Manuel P. Manahan54. Geronimo Velasco
13. Wigberto P. Clavecilla34. Jose V. Martel55. Roberto T. Villanueva
14. Jose Concepcion, Jr.35. Hans M. Menzi56. Edgardo Villavicencio
15. Emerson Coseteng36. Pedro O. Nisperos57. Alfonso Yuchengco
16. Louise dela Costa, Jr.37. Roberto V. Ongpin58. Jose Yulo, Jr.
17. Dewey Dee38. Antolin M. Oreta59. Enrique Zobel
18. Howard Dee39. Francisco Ortigas, Jr.60. Leonardo Gonzales
19. Jose S. Fernandez, Jr.40. Carlos Palanca, Jr.61. Leonardo Sigulon Reyna
20. Julio Francia, Jr.41. Cayetano Pineda62. Cezar C. Zalamea
21. Andrew Gotianun42. Vincent L. Recto

PHILJEC Chairman Attends the 12th Asia Business Summit in South Korea

July 21, 2023by secretariat in PHILJEC tagged , ,

The 2023 Asia Business Summit, co-hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) and the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), brought together leaders of 11 business organizations from China, Taiwan, India, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

SPPI President & Chief Executive Officer and Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee Chairman Richard Albert Osmond represented the Philippines in the business summit.

Launched in 2010 upon Keidanren’s initiative, the Asian Business Summit serves to promote regional economic integration among Asian nations. This year’s session marks the first time in six years the event has taken place in South Korea. More details from Arirang News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adqxuBmOjAM

The PHILJEC-JPECC 39th Joint Meeting Successfully Held in Tokyo, Japan

March 27, 2023by secretariat in JPECC, PHILJEC tagged

On March 2, 2023, the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (PHILJEC) and its counterpart, the Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee (JPECC), gathered at the Tokyo Kaikan for their 39th Joint Meeting. The 38th Joint Meeting in 2021 was conducted online due to the pandemic, thus making this year’s topic a very timely one: “Deepening the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership in post Covid-19.”

The event was attended by honorable and prestigious diplomats, representatives, and business figures from both Japan and the Philippines. These guests were warmly welcomed by Mr. Teruo Asada, Chairman of JPECC, and Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores, Chairman of PHILJEC, in each of their opening remarks. The congratulatory message of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was read by H.E. Kazuhiko Koshikawa, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines. The Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan, H.E. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, delivered her message on behalf of the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The Secretary-General of JPECC, Mr. Kazuto Sasaki, acted as the master of ceremonies. Ms. Maria Bernardita A. Mathay, Commercial Counsellor and Special Trade Representative of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), delivered the keynote address on behalf of Secretary Alfredo Pascual of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Three plenary sessions were held this year. The first session was moderated by Ms. Yurika Suzuki, a Senior Research Fellow at the Development Studies Center, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization (IDE-JETRO). It focused on “Trade and Investment Promotion” and was presented by the following speakers:

  • Mr. Yuji Munehiro – Executive Officer, Executive Manager, Global Business Promotions Dept., Global Business H.Q., Chodai Co., Ltd.
  • Mr. Richard Albert I. Osmond – President & COO, Science Park of the Philippines, Inc.; Co-Chairman, The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc.

The second session was moderated by Mr. Hisashi Ichikawa, Chief Manager of the JTB Corporation and focused on the topic of “Tourism and Mutual Exchange” through the presentations of the following:

  • Dr. Maria Christina G. Aquino – Former Chairperson, Tourism Industry Board Foundation, Inc. (TIBFI)
  • Mr. Luis Alberto A. Anastacio – President and Chief Executive Officer, Servicio Filipino, Inc.

The last plenary session, which revolved around “Sustainability,” had Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores, Executive Chairman of Netmarks Philippines, Inc. as moderator, and the following as speakers:

  • Mr. Ferdinand A. Ferrer – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gruppo EMS Inc.; Trustee, The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (PHILJEC)
  • Mr. Tsuyoshi Teragaki – Executivve Officer, COO, Forest Products Div., Marubeni Corporation
  • Mr. Hiromi Aoki – President, Suntech Co., Ltd.

Chairman Sanvictores and Chairman Asada each delivered their closing remarks after the plenary sessions and thanked all the participants for a meaningful Joint Meeting. The attendees then continued to enjoy a delicious welcome dinner hosted by JPECC.

On March 1st, the day prior to the Joint Meeting, a reception was organized by the Philippine Society of Japan (PSOJ) at the Sakura Room of the Imperial Hotel to welcome the PHILJEC delegates and Filipino members of the Philippines-Japan Society, Inc. (PJS). Mr. Mamoru Sekiyama, Chairman, and Mr. Makoto Katsura, President, respectively of PSOJ, welcomed the guests. Mr. Francis C. Laurel, President of PJS delivered a short speech at the event and H.E. Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano, who proposed a toast after the said speech.

To view the presentations, speeches, and documents relating to the 39th PHILJEC-JPECC meeting, please refer to our Resources below:

Program/Agenda

PHILJEC Chairman Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores Welcome Remarks

JPECC Chairman Mr. Teruo Asada Welcome Remarks

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Congratulatory Message  

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Congratulatory Message (signed message with official Photo) 

Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano Congratulatory Message

Plenary Session Presentations 

JPECC Welcome Dinner 

Photo Album

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