Envoy asks Japanese businessmen to look into potential investments in PH

By Roy Mabasa

Philippine Ambassador to Tokyo Jose Laurel V has called on Japanese investors to look at the agri-business, food processing and tourism sectors in the Philippines during an official visit in Hokkaido Prefecture.

Laurel presented to the Hokkaido Federation of Chambers of Commerce, led by its President Kyouichi Hirota, the business opportunities and strong potential for companies looking to leverage a growing Filipino market, and a country with continuing strong growth prospects.

While he praised the tourism and agriculture expertise of Hokkaido, Laurel also pitched for the members of the Chamber to also look at possible investments in the Philippines, specifically in agribusiness and food processing.

Located in Japan’s northernmost, Hokkaido is a major tourist destination known for its volcanoes, natural hot springs (onsen), ski areas, and mouth-watering food.

Laurel also visited the Machimura Farms owned by Hitoshi Machimura, outside of Sapporo to observe the facilities and exchange views on the dairy and agriculture sectors.

The Filipino diplomat stressed how the Philippines is keen on attracting investments to improve its agri-business and food processing sectors as key to countryside development and to poverty alleviation – a priority of the Duterte administration.

In their meeting, the two sides exchanged insights on the agriculture sector and business models that result in successful agri-business.

Officials of the Machimura company briefed Laurel on how the farm works to ensure its longevity and its shift to value-added products and farm-to-table business model.

The ambassador was accompanied by Embassy’s Minister for Political Affairs Evangeline Ong Jimenez Ducrocq, and Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Hokkaido Ken Tobe.