PH secures P51B investment pledges from Japanese firms

The Philippines has secured P51 billion in investment pledges from Japanese conglomerates, including Koshidaka Holdings, Marubeni Corp., and Sojitz Corp.

Koshidaka Holdings will invest P34 billion to establish 300 karaoke outlets nationwide over the next decade, aiming to create over 1,500 direct jobs.

Marubeni Corp. pledged P15 billion for investments in real estate, fintech, healthcare, and afforestation projects.

Sojitz Corp. is investing P2 billion to P3 billion in a property developer to attract AI, semiconductor design, software, and healthcare firms, and is also interested in aviation-related projects.

These investments were finalized during meetings between a Philippine delegation, including Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, and Japanese company executives.

Meanwhile, Japanese and Philippine officials held the 16th meeting of the Japan-Philippines High Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation in Osaka on September 11, underscoring continued progress in bilateral projects across infrastructure, disaster management, agriculture, and energy.

Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in railway and road operations, information and communications, and energy transition, while supporting the Philippines' push to achieve upper middle-income country status.