24/03/2026
PTIC Osaka Deepens Strategic Engagement with Chūbu Economic Federation
Commercial Counselor Michael Alfred V. Ignacio and Ms. Yasuko Kuniyoshi, of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Osaka, met with senior officials of the Central Japan Economic Federation, led by Takehito Hiramatsu, Director General, together with Katsuyuki Ogura, Managing Director, Hideki Kinosh*ta, General Manager, and Kazuki Nomura, Director.
The Central Japan Economic Federation represents the Chūbu Region—widely recognized as the industrial heart of Japan, with a globally competitive concentration of manufacturing industries and supply chain networks. Many Chūbu-based companies, including major automotive, electronics, and industrial manufacturers, already maintain significant operations in the Philippines.
Building on this strong foundation, discussions focused on advancing the Philippines’ strategic thrust of manufacturing supply chain development and industrial ecosystem building, with particular emphasis on:
• Expanding the participation of Japanese SMEs and Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers in the Philippine manufacturing base
• Identifying supply chain gaps and localization opportunities that can be filled by Chūbu-based enterprises
• Facilitating targeted, sector-specific business missions and investment promotion activities
• Strengthening coordinated support mechanisms to enable seamless entry and expansion of Japanese firms in the Philippines
The Philippine side highlighted that while major Japanese manufacturers are already well-established in the country, significant opportunities remain in completing their supply chains, presenting immediate and commercially viable entry points for SME suppliers seeking regional expansion.
“Chūbu’s industrial strength is central to Japan’s global manufacturing leadership. By working closely with Chūkeiren and its member companies, we aim to bring in the next wave of Japanese SME investments to fill critical supply chain gaps in the Philippines—creating value for both our economies,” said Commercial Counselor Ignacio.
Both sides expressed strong interest in deepening collaboration to accelerate industry-led investments, supply chain integration, and long-term industrial partnerships, reinforcing the Philippines’ role as a strategic manufacturing hub in ASEAN.
DTI Philippines
DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps