Japan’s largest retailer, AEON Retail Co. Ltd., is looking to diversify its import portfolio to include a broader range of food and non-food products from the Philippines. In a statement, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque mentioned her recent discussions with AEON executives in Tokyo on September 12. They explored expanding Philippine product sourcing and potential investments in the Philippine market.
AEON is interested in sourcing “Tatak Pinoy” products and those compliant with the “One Town, One Product” initiative for their retail stores. Currently, AEON imports primarily bananas and pineapples from Philippine suppliers but aims to include additional food items such as coconuts and their by-products, avocados, chocolates, and pili nuts.
The Department of Trade and Industry will support AEON’s sourcing activities and ensure that Philippine products meet Japan’s high-quality import standards. Both parties also discussed potential collaborations in trade shows and exhibitions to further strengthen trade relations.
Additionally, Trade Secretary Roque met with Yoshihisa Kainuma, Chairman and CEO of Minebea Mitsumi, who confirmed the company’s commitment to invest further in the semiconductor sector. This follows the recent approval of a Global South Subsidy from the Japanese government for expanding their semiconductor facility in Cebu. Minebea Mitsumi is also establishing a Global Support Center in the Philippines to train local workers, supporting the Philippine government’s goal of training 128,000 semiconductor professionals by 2028.
Roque also followed up with Marubeni Corp. officials, who have shown interest in expanding their presence in the Philippines through renewable energy and environmental protection projects. The Philippines has expressed interest in acquiring battery technology from Japan, leveraging its abundant nickel resources, though no further details were provided.
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