The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Mizuho Bank teamed up to expand PEZA’s investment network through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on July 10, 2025 at the PEZA head office.
PEZA director-general Tereso Panga and Mizuho Bank president and chief executive Masahiko Kato signed the agreement, officially designating Mizuho as an investment promotion partner.
The MOU strengthens a partnership initially established in December 2012, which aimed to attract Japanese corporations to the Philippines, support the market entry of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and facilitate joint investment promotion efforts.
The renewed agreement reinforces both parties’ commitment to boosting foreign direct investment, particularly from Japanese and other Asian firms looking to expand across the ASEAN region.
PEZA and Mizuho Bank will also explore ESG-aligned initiatives, including carbon credit mechanisms and transition financing to support a low-carbon economy.
“We see this as the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership—one that will bring in high-quality investments, generate jobs for Filipinos, and help build a more resilient and competitive economy,” Panga said.
More than 300,000 Filipinos are employed by Japanese firms within PEZA ecozones.
Panga said Mizuho Bank is well-positioned to support the promotion of PEZA ecozones as prime locations for manufacturing, ICT, renewable energy and other key sectors.
