Phl, Japan hold talks on econ cooperation

MANILA, Philippines - Trade officials from Japan and the Philippines are holding a meeting today as part of a series of dialogues to enhance cooperation in making the latter the preferred hub of Japanese firms in Southeast Asia. Trade assistant secretary Ceferino Rodolfo told reporters the industrial cooperation dialogue between Japan and the Philippines aims to advance the existing cooperation between the two countries specifically on making the latter the preferred destination of Japanese industrial foreign direct investments. "What Japan wants is to really make the Philippines its manufacturing hub in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” he said. Rodolfo acknowledged that while there are already many Japanese firms operating in the country, there are still those interested in checking out opportunities here. The meeting is also expected to help position the Philippines a human development hub in the region as well as enhance the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises. "(Making) the Philippines a human development hub in ASEAN, we also have a big interest in that,” Rodolfo said. The dialogue would be attended by Toshiyuki Sakamoto, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry deputy director general for trade policy and Trade undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. as well as Trade assistant secretary Rafaelita Aldaba. Other Japanese representatives from the Institute of Developing Economies - Japan External Trade Organization, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, and National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies are expected to be part of the meeting. Representatives from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance, Development Academy of the Philippines, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Science and Technology, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Senate and the Congress would also be there.//