Japanese companies consider Philippines as relocation site

TOKYO (via PLDT)—Japanese business leaders are looking at transferring some of their manufacturing operations to the Philippines following the earthquake and tsunami that struck the country in March, Japanese Ambassador to Manila Toshinao Urabe said Saturday.

“The timing of the visit of President Benigno Aquino III is very appropriate because Japanese businessmen are now rethinking their strategies and looking at relocating their operations outside of Japan,” said Urabe who arrived here Saturday.

“The Philippines is one of the candidates for this relocation. Japanese business leaders are attracted by the potential of the Philippines, especially since most Filipinos have a good command of the English language.”

The President will meet with the representatives of several Japanese business groups, including Marubeni Corp., Terumo Corp., Toyota Motor Corp., Yokohama Rubber Co., Mutsui & Co., and NTT/Docomo during his four-day stay here.

Mr. Aquino is scheduled to visit the Kadonowaki Evacuation Center in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Monday to meet the survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

He will meet Ishinomaki City Mayor Hiroshima Kameyama to turn over the Philippine government’s donation to his constituents.

Mr. Aquino will also be shown around the Kadonowaki evacuation site.

“We will extend our sincerest sympathies to the families who were affected by the earthquake and the tsunami,” the President said.

“Japan assisted us when we were struck by the vast flooding [brought on by tropical storm Ondoy], and now that they are the ones in need, we will not hesitate to lend a hand and assist them in their rehabilitation efforts to the best of our abilities.”

Ishinomaki City was among the most severely damaged communities, with about 46 percent of its area going under water during the tsunami.

Mr. Aquino will also have the chance to meet with the members of the Filipino community at the Ishinomaki Catholic Church while he is there. –Joyce Pangco Pañares, Manila Standard Today