The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC) hosted the 40th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) on October 22 to 24, 2014.  It was held at the Peninsula Manila, in Makati City. The AJBM “is a multilateral private-led forum between Japan and the ASEAN” which started in 1974 under the initiative of the Keizai Doyukai.  The annual meeting promotes economic exchange among private sector business towards the stability and development of ASEAN and Japan.

The theme of the 40^th Meeting was “OPPORTUNITIES ARISING FROM ASEAN INTEGRATION”.

The meeting kicked off with a Welcome dinner on October 22, 2014 hosted by PHILJEC at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Hotel.  Over 100 guests attended the dinner reception.

The meeting proper was held on October 23, starting at 9:00 a.m.  Opening remarks were delivered by PHILJEC Chairman Mr. Egmidio Cesar de Silva Jose and Keizai Doyukai Chairman, Mr.  Yasuchika Hasegawa.  Thereafter, messages from President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe were read.

PEZA Director General Atty. Lilia de Lima delivered the Keynote Address, highlighting intra-ASEAN investment opportunities in the Philippines.

The First Plenary Session dealt with an Overview of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).  It was moderated by Mr. Toshiyuki Shiga, Chairman of AJBM Japan.  Guest speakers for this session were Mr. Juan Miranda – Managing Director, Asian Development Bank and Mr. Hiroyuki Ishige – Chairman, JETRO.

After lunch, the Second Plenary Session was held with three speakers providing perspectives on Key Sectors that Guide Close Business Cooperation between Japan and ASEAN.  Moderated by Ambassador Theng Teng, Exec. Chairman of Save our Planet Investment Pte., Ltd. of Singapore, the speakers were: Dr. Thomas Aquino, former Senior Undersecretary of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, Dr. Yoshinori Fujiawa – Professor at Hitotsubashi University, and Ambassador Cesar B. Bautista, Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

This was followed by parallel roundtable discussions on:

(1) Service Industries, moderated by Mr. Hironobu Kitagawa of JETRO Japan, the speakers for this topic were: Mr. Mr. Kenichi Kitao, President, Kumon Asia & Oceania Pte. Ltd., Mr. Fumiaki Tanaka, President, Chiyoda Philippines, and Ms. Josephine J. Francisco, President, NYK-FIL Ship Management, Inc.;

(2) Manufacturing,  moderated by Mr. Shazali Sulaiman, Partner, KPMG (Brunei), the speakers were Dr. Bunluasak Pussarungsri Ph.D., Vice-Chairman, Service  and Investment Committee, Thai Chamber of  Commerce and  Mr. Kerry Mok, Managing Director, Accenture Pte., Ltd.;

(3) Infrastructure Development and Connectivity, moderated by Mr. Roberto Jose L. Castillo, co-Chairman of PHILJEC and President-CEO of EEI Corporation, the speakers were  Mr. Tan Eng Soon, Chairman, Tan Chong International, Ltd. of Singapore, Mr. Takeo Kitamura, President and COO, Zero Co., Ltd. of Japan, and Mr. Cecil  Leong, CEO, Mayer Brown Consulting (Singapore) Pte.,  Ltd.

A summary of the roundtable discussions was then moderated by Atty. Aniceto G. Saludo, PHILJEC co-Chairman and Managing Partner of the law firm of Saludo, Fernandez, Aquino & Daleon.  Roundtable rapporteurs were: Mr. Toshikazu Saito, Chairman, Renaissance, Inc. on Service Industries; Mr. Shazali Sulaiman, Partner, KPMG on Manufacturing; and Mr. Roberto Jose L. Castillo, PHILJEC Co-Chairman and CEO, EEI Corporation on Infrastructure Development and Connectivity.

Mr. Toshiyuki Shiga, Chairman, AJBM Japan and Mr. Egmidio Cesar de Silva Jose, Chairman, PHILJEC each delivered their closing remarks, after which Mr. Cecil Leong, CEO, Mayer Brown Consulting (Singapore) Pte., Ltd. extended his invitation to the 41^st AJBM which will be held in Singapore.

At the Closing Dinner jointly hosted by PHILJEC and JETRO, Messrs. Jose and Ishige expressed their mutual gratitude and appreciation to all the participants as Mr. Yasuchika Hasegawa, Chairman, Keizai Doyukai offered a toast for the continued success of AJBM.

The following day, JETRO held the 2^nd International Symposium on the Service Industry.  Also held at the Peninsula Manila, it was opened by Mr. Hiroyuki Ishige, Chairman of JETRO.  Keynote speakers were: Mr. Junichi Yamashita, Sr. Executive Officer of Family Mart Co., Ltd., Mr. Ysmael Baysa, CFO of Jollibee Foods Corporation, and Ms. Chantra Purnariksha, Group President of Saha Pathana Inter-Holding (Saha Group), Thailand.  The symposium was moderated by Mr. Yoshinori Fujisawa, Associate Professor – Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy, Hitotsubashi University.

The 5^th Asian Business Summit was held on September 15, 2014 at the new Solaire Resort & Casino, Manila, jointly hosted by the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC) and the Keidanren of Japan.  Seven Asian countries were represented, namely: Japan, Republic of China (Taiwan), Republic of Korea, India, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.  Mr. Egmidio de Silva Jose, PHILJEC President co-chaired the meeting with Mr. Sadayuki Sakakibara, Chairman of Keidanren.

The full text of the Joint Statement issued by Keidanren follows:

The 5th Asian Business Summit Joint Statement

On September 15, 2014, eight business organizations from seven Asian Economies converged in Manila, Philippines to hold the 5th Asian Business Summit. The leaders discussed the major challenges for Asian economies in view of the emerging global economic realities, and came up with a Joint Statement.

The delegates agreed to play an active role in realizing the goals laid down at the Summit and to provide actionable inputs to the policy makers of their respective Economies.

The Joint Statement reflects the expectations and aspirations of the Asian business community, and delineates the future role of the private sector in sustaining Asia’s economic dynamism.

1. Sustainability of Asian Economy

Asia has been demonstrating steady economic growth functioning as the growth engine for the global prosperity. The Asian Development Bank estimates that the average GDP growth of Asian region will edge up from 6.1% in 2013 to 6.2% in 2014 and 6.4% in 2015, bringing about economic ripple effect to other regions. The Summit requests each Economy to carry out its growth strategy so as not to lose the momentum.

In order to make this growth sustainable, realizing cross-border division of labor among the Asian region making the best use of advantages of each Economy and complimenting one another would be the key. This would also rectify disparities in the region and thereby strengthen the basis for further growth.

It is also important to exchange highly-skilled human resources between Asian economies, and encourage Asian institutions to undertake joint research and development initiatives to drive innovation across industries. Innovation-led industrial development and advanced human capital formation will contribute to developing high value-added products and thereby move up the global value chain.

2. Regional Integration

The Summit urges each Asian Economies to press forward with the ongoing EPA/FTA negotiations. Especially the Summit anticipates that the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015 would be a steppingstone towards creating the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP).

EPAs and FTAs should be comprehensive so that they eliminate protectionism and bring about expanded trade in goods and services, greater cross-border investment flows, dismantling of non-tariff barriers and lifting of export restrictions on food and natural resources, strengthening of the IPR regime, and facilitation of remittances.

It is important that EPAs and FTAs are not exclusive. Any Economy that did not participate in the negotiations at the outset should be allowed to join subsequently, subject to terms and conditions that would be agreed with all other participants.

3. Environment, Energy and Natural Resources

In order to make the best use of scarce energy resources while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, it is profitable for each Asian Economy to press forward with its energy efficiency policy. Private sector could collaborate with the government in implementing the energy efficiency policy by disseminating environmentally friendly technology such as highly efficient coal-fired power generation, smart grid, light rail transit, eco-houses and eco-buildings. Financing schemes, which include Official Development Assistance, export credits, bilateral offsetting mechanism, etc. would help implementing the above efforts.

Taking into consideration that a new protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force under the convention applicable to all parties is aimed to be adopted at COP21 in 2015, the Summit agrees to collaborate towards establishing a fair and effective post-2020 international framework.

Under the condition that free trade of natural resources is guaranteed, the Summit is resolved to promote joint exploitation and technical assistance for domestic concentration and refinement.

4. Infrastructure Development

In order to facilitate infrastructure development, the Summit calls for reduction of tariffs on materials and machineries related to construction, relaxation of excessive local contents requirements, free establishment of SPCs, deregulation of trans-border movement of engineers and skilled workers, transparency of government procurement procedures and domestic regulations.

With a view to developing infrastructures of high quality, the Summit continues to ask the Asian Economies to introduce bidding systems in which non-price factors such as environmentally-friendly technology, lifecycle cost efficiency and low environmental load are properly evaluated.

The Summit also agreed to play a key role in areas such as human resources development, designing of master plans and promotion of PPP projects including the third country cooperation.

With a view to utilizing private flows in the region for infrastructure development, the Summit requests Asian Economies to press ahead with the Asian Bond Markets Initiatives (ABMI).

5. Improvement of Business Environment

Even if investment were liberalized through EPAs and FTAs, business would not be facilitated unless domestic regulations of the hosting countries are transparent and rational.

The Summit calls for establishing a mechanism comprised of representatives from governments, and the business community, to discuss issues on how to improve the business environment in each Economy. Impediments to business activities due to domestic regulations, administrative procedures, taxation and labor issues could be addressed, reviewed and corrected under this mechanism.

Improvement of business environment would not only benefit foreign investors but also domestic companies, especially SMEs.

6. Movement of Natural Persons

Some Asian Economies will face labor shortages in the near future due to declining birthrate while other Economies have to undertake the task of youth employment stemming from population growth. To optimize this situation and to minimize the adverse effects resulting from demographic change, the Summit requests the Asian Economies to lift the existing restrictions on trans-border movement of natural persons.

In addition to free movement of intra-corporate transferees, professionals, trained workers, students and trainees, movement of medical workers and caregivers should be given attention. Regulatory reforms pertaining to medical services will greatly bridge the manpower needs of the region’s healthcare sectors and thereby addressing issues of the aging society.

Alongside facilitating movement of natural persons, it goes without saying that each economy and industry must take effective measures to enhance human capital through education and vocational training.

Source: https://www.keidanren.or.jp/en/policy/2014/076.html

Message
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
To the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee Inc.
On the occasion of their 32nd Joint Meeting with the Japan-Philippines
Economic Cooperation Committee Inc.

[Released on March 6, 2014]

My warmest greetings to the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee Inc. as you hold your 32nd Joint Meeting with the Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee Inc.

The friendship between Japan and the Philippines once again came on full display in 2013, when our country was hit by super typhoon Haiyan in October. Many lives were lost and millions in property were destroyed; gladly, Japan was among our friends from the international community that were first to respond, sending relief goods, financial donations, and other assistance in the form of troops, aircraft, and disaster relief medical teams. The people and government of the Philippines are thankful for having your country as our partner in recovery amidst the challenges brought about by climate risk and our rapidly evolving milieu. May this be the beginning of an even more vibrant partnership between our two countries, in pursuit of our mutual agenda of prosperity and sustainable progress.

The Philippines remains steadfast in its goal of widespread empowerment and economic stability, as we strengthen our multifaceted relations among our neighbors in the region. May you sustain your remarkable contributions to stronger Philippines-Japan ties; let us further uphold our unity, as we set out to establish a future teeming with respect, dynamism, and opportunities, for the benefit of our peoples.

I wish you an engaging, successful gathering.

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

MANILA
6 March 2014

Source: http://www.gov.ph/2014/03/06/message-of-president-aquino-to-the-philippines-japan-economic-cooperation-committee-inc-on-the-occasion-of-their-32nd-joint-meeting-with-the-japan-philippines-economic-cooperation-committee-inc-mar/

The 32nd Joint Meeting of the Philippines and Japan
Economic Cooperation Committees
Programme
第32回日比経済合同委員会　日程・議題” / ]

（１）日　時：2014年3月6日（木）9:30～21:00

Time & Date: March 6, 2014

（２）場　所：ソレア・リゾート・アンド・カジノ２階「グランド・ボールルーム」
（合同委員会会場は「ボールルーム３＆５」

Venue: Grand Ballroom, 2^nd Floor, Solaire Resort and Casino

（３）言　語：日－英同時通訳

Language: Japanese-English simultaneous interpretation

（４）スケジュール / Time Schedule:

9:00 – 9:30　 登録受付 / Registration

9:30-10:30　 開会式 / Opening Ceremony

（１）開会挨拶 / Opening Remarks
Mr. Egmidio Cesar de Silva Jose, Chairman, The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC)

小林健　日比経済委員会代表世話人（三菱商事株式会社代表取締役社長）
Mr. Ken Kobayashi, Chairman, The Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee (JPECC)

（２）両国首脳メッセージ /Congratulatory Messages

 H.E. Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines

(Read by H.E. Gregory L. Domingo, Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry, Republic of the Philippines)

安倍晋三　日本国内閣総理大臣（代読：卜部敏直　駐フィリピン共和国日本国特命全権大使）

H.E. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan

(Read by H.E. Toshinao Urabe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines)

（３）基調講演 / Keynote Address　

 Hon. Adrian S. Cristobal, Undersecretary, Department of Trade and Industry, The Republic of the Philippines

10:30-10:50　コーヒー・ブレイク（同会場内） / Coffee Break (Same Venue)

10:50-11:00  役員選出／議題および議事手続きの採択

Nomination of Office Bearers / Confirmation of Agenda and Business Procedures

11:00-12:00  第１回全体会議「両国の経済情勢について」

Plenary Session I: “Economic Overview of the Philippines and Japan”

フィリピンにおける最新の経済実績と長期にわたる持続的経済成長に向けた政策基盤について」/ ”Recent Economic Gains and Policy Foundations for Sustained Long Term Growth”

Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas, University Professor, University of Asia and the Pacific

「日本経済の動向と今後の日比関係について」/ “The Direction of Japan’s Economy and Japan-Philippine Economic Relations”

朝田照男　日比経済委員会代表世話人（丸紅株式会社代表取締役会長）
Mr. Teruo Asada, Co-Chairman, JPECC

質疑応答・自由討議 / Free Discussion

12:00-13:30   昼食（ソレア・リゾート・アンド・カジノ２階「ボールルーム２＆４」）

Luncheon hosted by PHILJEC (Ballroom 2&4, 2^nd floor, Solaire Resort and Casino)
“Philippines-Japan Opportunities in the context of the 2015 ASEAN Integration”

Hon. Kim S. Jacinto-Henares, Commissioner, Bureau of Internal Revenue, The Republic of the Philippines

13:30-16:30　 第２回全体会議「日比企業間協力の推進とそのカギとなる中小企業の育成」
Plenary Session II: “Promoting Business Cooperation among Japanese and Philippine companies with SMEs as the key players”

「フィリピンにおける中小企業振興に向けた提言～ジェトロの視点から～」
“Proposals for SME development in the Philippines”

伊藤亮一　独立行政法人日本貿易振興機構進出企業支援・知的財産部進出企業支援課課長
Mr. Ryoichi Ito, Director, Overseas Business Support Division, Overseas Business Support and Intellectual Property Department, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

「グローバル規模かつ地域特性に根ざした科学技術のフィリピン中小企業への導入」
“Applying Global and Local Science and Technology for SMEs in the Philippines – How can Japan Help?”

Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, Executive Director, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy & Emerging Technology Research &  Development (PCIEERD), Department of  Science and Technology, Republic of the Philippines

「日・ASEANエレクトロニクス生産拠点としてのフィリピンの発展に向けて」

“Developing the Philippines as an ASEAN – Japan Electronics Production Hub”

Dr. Danilo C. Lachica, President, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (SEIPI)

質疑応答・自由討議 / Free Discussion

「フィリピンにおける自動車部品産業の発展への期待」
“Prospects for Expanding Automotive Parts Manufacturing in the Philippines”

Mr. Feliciano L. Torres, President, Yazaki-Torres Manufacturing, Inc.

「フィリピンにおける自動車市場の将来性と課題」
 “Opportunities and Challenges for Philippines Automotive Industry”

志賀俊之　日比経済委員会代表世話人（日産自動車株式会社代表取締役副会長）
Mr. Toshiyuki Shiga, Co-Chairman, JPECC

「フィリピン製造業（特に自動車・二輪分野）の長期的発展に向けた知財権確立の重要性」
“Intellectual Property Rights (MDPPA)”
Mr. Armando Reyes, Motorcycle Sales Advisor, Honda Philippines Inc.

質疑応答・自由討議 / Free Discussion

16:30-16:50　 コーヒー・ブレイク（同会場内）/ Coffee Break（Same Venue）

16:50-17:50　 第３回全体会議「フィリピンにおけるインフラ整備（電力、交通分野におけるビジネス機会）」

Plenary Session III: “Infrastructure development in the Philippines (Business opportunities in power and transportation)”

「フィリピンにおける運輸交通分野のインフラ整備について」
“Infrastructure Development on Transport Sector in the Philippines―JICA’s Role and Vision”

佐々木隆宏　独立行政法人国際協力機構フィリピン事務所長
Mr. Takahiro Sasaki, Chief Representative of the Philippine Office, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

「高度成長に対応しうる安定的かつ長期的な電力インフラの確保」
“Ensuring a Reliable & Long Term Power Infrastructure for High Growth”
Mr. Patrick B. Reyes, Senior Vice-President – Chief Strategy Officer, Aboitiz Equity Ventures

質疑応答・自由討議 / Free Discussion

  17:50-18:10　 閉会式/ Closing Ceremony

閉会挨拶/ Closing Remarks

小林健　日比経済委員会代表世話人
Mr. Ken Kobayashi, Chairman of JPECC

Mr. Egmidio Cesar de Silva Jose, Chairman of PHILJEC

19:00-21:00　 比日経済委員会主催夕食会（「ボールルーム２＆４」）
Dinner hosted by PHILJEC (Ballroom 2&4, 2^nd floor, Solaire Resort and Casino)