By Kris M. Crismundo
MANILA, Sept 20 (PNA) — Japanese firms remain optimistic with the business environment in the Philippines, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) Executive Director Nobuo Fujii said.
Fujii said that despite the Philippines will have its national elections next year, Japanese companies are still upbeat in investing in the Philippines than in other countries in the region.
“It’s [election] is a political matter,” he said.
“[But, there is] much better situation here than in other [countries],” he added.
The JCCI executive noted that operations of different investment agencies in the country still continue even with the transition of new leadership.
Fujii also mentioned that the slowdown of Japan’s economy pushes Japanese firms to invest in other countries, including in the Philippines.
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data show Japan’s investments in major investment promotions agencies in the country during January to March 2015 period reached PhP7.15 billion, sharing the bulk or 33 percent of the total investments in Q1 this year. (PNA)