Chinese and Japanese companies are looking at investing and partnering with Philippine firms. This is amid the bright prospects brought about by the sustained economic growth of the country.
Alfonso Salcedo Jr., the president of Security Bank Corp., said during a Business Matching fair that it has partnered with Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Finance Group Inc. (MUFG) to arrange close to 200 meetings between the banks’ Japanese, Philippine and Southeast Asian corporate clients.
“Our partnership with MUFG helps facilitate cooperation and provides access to the global marketplace for our clients; our combined strengths now serve as an avenue for Japanese and Filipino businesses to meet and discuss how to further develop opportunities will help our economies,” Salcedo said.
The Business Matching Fair is one of the major events that MUFG and Security Bank have embarked on this year.
"The one-day fair saw clients from various sectors including FMCG products (distribution and manufacturing), healthcare and medical equipment, real estate development, agriculture and seafood products, among other," said Eduardo Olbes, executive vice president and head of the wholesale banking segment of Security Bank.
He added: “The aim is to match make Japanese corporates to companies in the Philippines to foster cross-border business collaboration.”
Tadahiro Miyamoto, the general manager of MUFG's Manila Branch, said: "The Philippine market is very important to the group and its strategic alliance with Security Bank helps MUFG to better reach out to local corporates and support Japanese investment within the Philippines."
The business matching sessions ended with a cocktail reception. Attendees include Makoto Iyori, the Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan, Charito Plaza, the director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, and Ramon Lopez, the Trade Secretary of the Philippines.
Bank of China Ltd., is hosting a series of Global Cross-Border Trade and Investment conferences for small and medium-sized enterprises starting next month. This is so that it can help these enterprises to tap into international business opportunities.
“Bank of China envisions a world that builds mutually beneficial relationships that meet the interest of all. Stronger trade and investment will instill vigor and vitality across the Belt and Road, bringing cooperation among Asian, European, and African countries to new heights and new forms,” said Bank of China Manila Branch country manager Deng Jun.