Japanese firms eye Phl for expansion

Two Japanese manufacturers are considering expanding their business operations in the Philippines, according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

In a statement on Thursday, PEZA revealed that Kawamura Electric, Inc. and FRP Services & Company Japan expressed interest in exploring investments in ecozones during Director General Tereso Panga’s visit to Tokyo from March 3 to 6.

Kawamura Electric is looking to expand in the Philippines as part of its regional strategy to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia. 

The company views the country as a strategic partner in ASEAN, particularly due to its positive trade relations with the United States, which presents an advantage for export manufacturing.

Operating for over 50 years, Kawamura specializes in producing electrical equipment such as high-voltage power installations, switchboards, and circuit breakers. It holds the largest market share in Japan for electrical enclosures used in IT infrastructure and data centers. 

The company also operates seven factories and sales offices in China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

Meanwhile, FRP Services plans to collaborate with local firms and intends to set up operations at the TECO Industrial Park-Special Economic Zone. 

This move aims to meet the needs of a major client in the Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ), particularly for fiberglass-reinforced particle boards.

“We are targeting the new investors from Japan to look at the Philippines as their next investment destination. In the same manner, we are enticing current Japanese companies in expanding their solid footprint in the country by bringing in their supply chain. The Philippines is in the sweet spot to host these investments with all the positive advantages we presented,” Panga said.