Philippines up a notch in Japan firms’ list of preferred investment sites

Published by rudy Date posted on April 24, 2018

by Richmond Mercurio (The Philippine Star) – Apr 24, 2018

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines climbed a notch higher in the list of the most preferred investment destinations of Japanese companies in the world despite the country’s political situation and security becoming a more prevalent concern for investors.

In its 2017 Survey on the International Operations of Japanese Firms, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) showed the Philippines ranked as the 12th most popular country to expand business among Japanese companies, an improvement from its 13th position in 2016.

Among firms answering that they “currently have an overseas base and are planning to expand,” the ratio choosing China emerged on top at 49.4 percent, followed by Vietnam with 37.5 percent and Thailand with 36.7 percent.

The Philippines placed 12th on the list amid a slight drop in the ratio with 13.1 percent in 2017 from 13.4 percent the previous year.

Among Association of Southeast Asian Nations economies, the country ranked sixth.

“The countries of ASEAN-6 as a whole (69.2 percent) have exceeded China (49.4 percent) for the sixth consecutive year as a major country/region for overseas expansion. Within ASEAN-6, a significant increase in motivation to expand business is seen in Vietnam for non-manufacturing along with the Philippines in manufacturing,” JETRO said.

Market size was the top business attraction and advantage cited for the country, receiving a nod from 72.7 percent from the companies surveyed.

This was followed by labor cost/force at 29.7 percent, pro-Japanese feeling at 26.4 percent and communication at 20.6 percent.

Meanwhile, political/social situations and security emerged as top business environment issue of Japanese companies in the Philippines at 33.9 percent.

Other issues identified include infrastructure, collection of bills, legal system and its enforcement, and administrative procedures.
A total of 9,981 Japanese firms with interest in overseas business have been part of the 2017 survey. Of these companies, 11.9 percent have overseas bases in the Philippines.

March 2025

It’s women’s month!

“Support women every day of the year!”

Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.

Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos

Time to support & empower survivors.
Time to spark a global conversation.
Time for #GenerationEquality to #orangetheworld!

Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month

Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and Made-in-the-Philippines
Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week

Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
Mar 4— Employee Appreciation Day
Mar 15 — World Consumer Rights Day
Mar 18 — Global Recycling Day
Mar 21 — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mar 23 — International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
Mar 25 — International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Mar 27 — Earth Hour

Trade Union Solidarity Campaigns
Get Email from NTUC
Article Categories