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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Acting Secretary Cristina A. Roque met with representatives of Marubeni Corporation to discuss investment opportunities in the Philippines, underscoring the country’s openness to “new generation” industries. The meeting highlighted the Philippines’ strong economic growth, driven by a burgeoning middle class and a thriving micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.
Secretary Roque emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes through initiatives focused on financing, digitalization, and market access. She invited global investors to explore emerging sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and infrastructure.
“The Philippines is open for business,” Roque stated. “We are dedicated to creating an environment where businesses can thrive, particularly those involved in industries that address the evolving needs of Filipinos.”
Marubeni Corporation, a long-standing investor in the Philippines, reaffirmed its interest in expanding its investments in the country. The company’s portfolio includes ventures in healthcare, such as Medi Linx, a centralized clinical laboratory using advanced Japanese technology, and Conceive IVF Manila Inc., which supports reproductive health and family planning services.
In the fintech sector, Marubeni empowers MSMEs through its AI-based service, “etomo,” providing virtual credit lines to small businesses that lack access to traditional financing.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in sustainable development, with a focus on renewable energy and resource conservation. The Philippines, the world’s second-largest producer of nickel ore in 2023, seeks investments that involve battery technology transfer, essential for electric vehicle production.
Marubeni Corporation, a major Japanese trading house with over 110 years of history in the Philippines, continues to diversify its investments across various sectors, including power, transportation, healthcare, and fintech. Secretary Roque welcomed Marubeni’s commitment and invited other global companies to invest in shaping the future of the Philippine economy. |
