Duterte back home from ‘most productive and engaging’ Japan visit

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DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte called his two-day visit to Japan “most productive and engaging,” as he announced multi-billion dollars worth of pledges of government assistance and investment.

In press briefing here on his return on Tuesday night, Duterte said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had committed Tokyo’s help to implement the Philippine government’s infrastructure program.

He said Abe promised to “give flesh” to the pledge through a special fund valued at close to $9 billion.

“The agenda is vital support to centerpiece projects under the Philippines’ ‘Build, Build, Build’ program,” Duterte said.Japan

“I am committed to work closely with him to ensure projects proceed soonest and it will be done, done, done,” the President said.

In meeting with Japanese business leaders, Duterte said he was able to close deals on investments worth $6 billion, almost three times more than what he achieved during his first official Japan visit last year.

He said he encouraged Japanese traders to find opportunities in the Philippines, particularly in steelmaking, agribusiness, information technology and creative industries.

The President also spoke about his meeting with Emperor Ahikito and Empress Michiko and how he admired the Japanese monarchy’s “simplicity.”

/atm