BDO hosts Kyoto business delegation

BDO Unibank Inc. reaffirmed its support for foreign investors by welcoming members of the Kyoto Employers Association (KEA) during their first official business mission to the Philippines.

Held at BDO’s Makati headquarters, the visit was organized in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Osaka. The Japanese delegation, composed of KEA’s next-generation leaders aged 50 and below, represented a broad spectrum of industries including automotive, real estate, IT, food manufacturing, and legal consultancy—underscoring Kyoto’s diverse economic base.

Monina Elena Camigla, BDO Senior Vice President and Deputy Department Head for Financial Institutions and International Desks, briefed the delegation on Philippine market trends, labor conditions, and potential investment opportunities.

KEA is one of the four major economic groups in Kyoto Prefecture, with more than 430 member companies including renowned global firms like Kyocera, Nidec, and Horiba. While most Japanese investments in the Philippines traditionally come from Tokyo and Osaka, the KEA visit marked a step toward deeper cooperation with businesses from Kyoto.

BDO, the only local bank with a full suite of International Desks, operates a dedicated Japan Desk staffed with Japanese-speaking personnel who support both corporate clients and retail customers from Japan. Established in 2007, the Japan Desk has become a vital resource for Japanese firms expanding into the Philippine market.

The visit underscored growing Japanese interest in the Philippines as an investment destination—and BDO’s trusted role as a strategic partner in helping foreign businesses thrive.