Information on Marcos' trip to Japan
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to embark on an official working visit to Japan from February 8 to 12, 2023. The visit, upon the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, whom Marcos met in September 2022, aims primarily to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and attract investment from Japan to the Philippines.
The visit is considered "consequential" by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) due to the Philippines' deep ties with Japan. Japan is the Philippines' largest source of Official Development Assistance (ODA) or loans and grants, and its only country with a standing bilateral free trade agreement, the Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.
The Philippines, as the second-largest trading partner, third-largest export market, and third-largest source of exports for Japan, seeks to renew and deepen its partnership with Japan to address infrastructure gaps and accelerate projects. At least seven bilateral agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, including an agreement on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, loan agreements on infrastructure, and a proposed agreement on cooperation in the field of communications and information technology.
Among the agreements, a memorandum of cooperation of agricultural cooperation is also on the table. This partnership could potentially boost the Philippines' agricultural sector, a key component of the country's economy. Moreover, several business meetings are scheduled, with Japan's investment expected to reach approximately P150 billion, signifying a major boost for infrastructure and development projects in the Philippines.
One of the specific initiatives linked to the visit is the partnership with Japanese firms in ventures such as Manila’s high-profile Waste-to-Energy facility aimed at sustainable urban development. This project aligns with Marcos' commitment to environmental sustainability and his vision for a greener and more resilient Philippines.
Marcos is accompanied by a high-level private sector delegation, underscoring the intent to promote broader business linkages and capital inflows from Japan. The delegation includes key officials such as Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, among others.
In addition to the economic discussions, Marcos will also meet with the Filipino community on his last day in Tokyo, reinforcing the government's commitment to the welfare and well-being of overseas Filipinos.
The case of comfort women - Filipinas who were subjected to sexual and physical violence by Japanese soldiers during World War II - will not be brought up during the visit, as all war-related claims are deemed to be settled. This decision allows both nations to focus on the opportunities for cooperation and growth that the visit presents.
This visit to Japan marks Marcos' third foreign travel in 2023 and his 9th since taking office in July 2022. The visit underscores the government's commitment to strengthening ties with key international partners and pursuing economic growth and development for the Philippines.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) consideres the visit as "consequential," given the Philippines' deep ties with Japan, which is the largest source of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the only country with a standing bilateral free trade agreement.
During the visit, at least seven bilateral agreements are expected to be signed, including an agreement on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, loan agreements on infrastructure, and a proposed agreement on cooperation in the field of communications and information technology, potentially boosting Japan's investment towards approximately P150 billion in the Philippines, focusing on infrastructure and development projects.
