The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) secured at least P23.5 billion in potential trade and investment opportunities for the Philippines during the Tokyo trade mission on March 3 to 4, 2025.
Among the interested investors are Ibiden Co. Ltd., Sumitomo Corp., Nidec Corp. and Japanese retail giants Fast Retailing Company Ltd., Etoile Kaito & Co, Inc. and Adastria Co. Ltd., along with several undisclosed deals.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said discussions were ongoing to expand market access for premium Filipino products in Japan while attracting major investments in retail and supply chains.
Etoile Kaito & Co. Inc., a major Japanese business-to-business wholesaler, committed to boosting Philippine exports of interior and lifestyle products.
The company is expanding its product line to include items made from indigenous materials like capiz shells and abaca. Its focus will be on exporting flower vases, gardening pots, wall decorations, and fashion accessories such as abaca bags, small containers, and handmade Christmas decor.
Meanwhile, Adastria Co., a leading Japanese apparel retailer with 45 brands, is set to expand in the Philippines.
Adastria revealed plans to introduce more brands and explore local manufacturing, leveraging the country’s growing retail market and competitive advantages.
Following the successful launch of its “niko and…” flagship store at SM Mall of Asia in December 2024, Adastria plans to open multiple new stores and bring in brands such as Global Work, Lowry’s Farm and LAKOLE.
To strengthen its market presence, the company is also considering flexible installment payment options through local credit card providers.
“Adastria’s expansion into the Philippines with ‘niko and…’ is just the beginning. We look forward to seeing their full brand portfolio enter the market,” Roque said.