Philippines, Japan to sign at least 10 deals in Duterte’s Tokyo visit

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Japan would sign at least 10 business agreements during the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte in Tokyo later this month, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Thursday.

“So far we have two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and eight letters of intent,” Lopez told reporters in Malacañang, adding that there could be more deals.

The trade chief said the deals would be in the field of electronics, manufacturing, data analytics, and the services sector, among others.

Duterte is set to attend the 25th Annual Future of Asia conference on May 30 to 31.

Lopez said the signing of agreements between Manila and Tokyo would further boost trade relations between the two countries.

“It will be strengthened, two way, but I think what we are promoting is since Japan is the big brother, the advanced economy, we’re asking them to open up all their markets,” he said.

During the forum, Duterte would address businessmen and discuss the business climate in the Philippines.

“I’m sure he will be talking to the business sector, so all the gains. I’m sure [he will talk about] the S&P credit rating upgrade, the reforms that we are doing and we will continue to do, especially with the new Congress, the new Senate. These are reforms that will definitely attract more investments and entice more investments,” Lopez said. (Editor: Eden Estopace)

READ: Duterte goes on 3rd visit to Japan on May 30 and 31