CREATE MORE Act, energy, infrastructure, and security among the top priorities for PH-JPN relations, said Japan Ambassador H.E. Endo Kazuya

26 MARCH 2025 – Japan Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Endo Kazuya expressed optimism that Japanese investments in the Philippines will increase with the passage of the CREATE MORE Act last year. “I would also like to continue to closely follow the implementation phase of the CREATE MORE Act, which is really an important issue for many of the Japanese companies’ operations,” said Ambassador Endo.

The Ambassador also identified energy, infrastructure, and security as areas where bilateral cooperation is being deepened. On the trilateral partnership of the US, Japan, and the Philippines, Ambassador Endo emphasized that “strengthening trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, Japan and the United States is critical to maintain peace and security in the Pacific region.”

Ambassador Endo reaffirmed the strong economic, security, and people-to-people ties between Japan and the Philippines in his remarks during the second installment of MBC’s Foreign Leaders series. 

“As my term in this very important country enters into my second year, it is my strong hope that I can further strengthen our Japanese government’s ties with the Philippine business in various ways.” said Ambassador Endo, who is celebrating his first year anniversary since arriving in the Philippines last year. 

In 2023, Japan was the Philippines’ 2nd largest trading partner and third largest export market, with total bilateral trade valued at USD 20.7 billion. In the same year, Japan was also the top source of net foreign direct investments and top source of official development assistance.

In his welcome remarks, MBC Chairman Ed Chua emphasized the close relationship between the Philippines and Japan, “we have a robust and dynamic partnership with Japan, fueling mutual growth, security, and prosperity for both our countries.” He thanked Ambassador Endo for his critical role in ushering the bilateral relationship of both countries in this critical time. 

Over 80 high-level representatives from business and diplomatic corps  attended the event. Other notable attendees include MBC Board Members Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Amb. Jose Cuisia, Doris Magsaysay-Ho, Ramon del Rosario, Lito Tayag, and Cosette Canilao, who also moderated the event. 

This event is sponsored by SGV & CO, Palo Alto, Marubeni Philippines Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Federal Land NRE Global and The Seasons Residences.