JUNE 4 (Reuters) — Philippine President Benigno Aquino met with business leaders in Tokyo on Thursday (June 4) to further show the Southeast Asian country’s commitment to an amicable relationship with Japan not only by security ties but also through economic cooperation.
In the early morning of the second day of his four-day visit to Japan, Aquino addressed a room full of businessmen and women and talked about the Philippines’ appreciation of Japan’s past and recent business investments in the Philippines.
“Allow me to once again express our deep appreciation to Japan for staying the course. For even with economic difficulties prevalent in many parts of the globe, you have consistently been among the top sources of approved investments into the Philippines,” Aquino told a packed convention hall at a hotel in downtown Tokyo.
“You are also our largest trading partner in 2014 with total trade amounting to 19.1 billion dollars. The numbers make it clear that many of you have already made the decision to bet on the Philippines. Your confidence has played a significant role in securing the economic success we are experiencing today. Success that we share with you,” Aquino added.
At a separate luncheon event at the same hotel later in the day, Aquino once again addressed the Philippines and Japan’s trading relations, and pushed for further economic cooperation.
“My administration truly believes in the potential of the manufacturing industry and indeed welcomes Japan’s sustained support for this sector,” he said.
Aquino is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later on Thursday for a bilateral talk.
The Filipino President’s trip to Japan follows Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s last week, during which the two leaders agreed to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership and to cooperate in defense equipment.
