Recto Vows Faster Gov’t Decisions to Attract Japanese Investments

The Philippine government is stepping up efforts to make the country more attractive to Japanese investors by improving regulatory stability and speeding up public sector decision-making, as bilateral trade between the two nations reached ₱1.27 trillion in 2025.

Speaking before Japanese business leaders during the 42nd Annual Joint Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Committees of the Philippines and Japan, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto outlined the administration’s push to address long-standing investor concerns over policy coordination and project approvals.

“The Philippines is ready to do more business with you. We understand that investors do not ask for favors, only fairness, predictability, and speed,” Recto said.

“You want clear rules. You want a coordinated government. And you want decisions made before opportunities expire,” he added.

Japan remains one of the Philippines’ largest trading partners and a key provider of development financing for major infrastructure initiatives, including flagship transport projects such as the Metro Manila Subway.

Economic officials noted that while trade flows between the two countries remain strong, there is still significant room for growth across manufacturing, services, and emerging industries.

Tourism has also emerged as a growing driver of economic ties, with roughly 825,000 Filipinos traveling to Japan last year, reflecting increased mobility and strengthening business and cultural linkages.

“Our goal is straightforward: to make doing business in the Philippines easier, faster, and more reliable,” Recto said.

The government is positioning the country’s young workforce, expanding consumer market, and strategic location in Southeast Asia as key advantages for investors looking to scale operations in the region.

“The success of your investments in the Philippines is also the success of the Filipino people,” he said, encouraging Japanese firms to expand into next-generation industries as part of their long-term investment plans.