Pres. Aquino brings home P13.5-B investment pledges, P136.9-B loans from Japan trip

President Benigno S. Aquino III returned to the country on Friday (June 5) with P13.5 billion investment pledges and P136.9 billion loans from his four-day state visit to Japan.

The President was welcomed at the arrival area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by Cabinet members including Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, DOH Secretary Janette Garin, and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez.

During the trip, President Aquino received P13.5 billion investment pledges from 11 companies which signed letters of intent to open or expand their operations in the Philippines.

The President cited clothing company Uniqlo, which currently has 22 outlets in the country, is planning to add 200 more shops.

He said the other companies are into manufacturing of electric tricycles, printers, smart glasses and medical devices such as aortic catheter, invitro diagnostics and for hemodialysis treatment.

The Philippines and Japan also signed agreements in health, maritime safety and trade as well as a concessional loan amounting to P136.9 billion huge infrastructure projects.

President Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Abe also signed a Joint Declaration on Strengthened Strategic Partnership.

“Tunay nga pong pinapalalim ang ugnayan ng ating mga bansa sa maraming sektor, kabilang na ang seguridad. Napapanahon po itong pagtaas ng antas ng ating relasyon sa Japan sa harap ng mga banta sa estabilidad sa West Philippine Sea,” said the President.

“Ang mahalaga nga po ay nakikita nating nagtutugma ang mga prinsipyo ng Japan at Pilipinas tungkol sa paggalang sa mga karapatan ng bawat bansa, sa malayang paglalayag sa international waters, at sa paghahari ng batas at mapayapang ugnayan upang matugunan ang anumang di-pagkakaintindihan. Sa tulong nga po ng Japan, natatawag ang pansin ng mas marami pang mga bansa sa sitwasyon sa mga dagat ng Asya,” he added. (PCOO News Release)