The Philippines proposed the inclusion of more Filipino-made consumer products in Don Quijote and Don Don Donki stores worldwide to boost the global visibility of local goods through one of Japan’s most recognizable retail chains.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque, in a meeting with Japanese retail giant Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp. (PPIH), owner of the popular Don Quijote and Don Don Donki stores, highlighted the country’s export strengths.
Roque asked PPIH to consider sourcing a broader range of Philippine products across its extensive retail network in Japan, the United States and other Asian markets.
“We welcome every opportunity to introduce Filipino products to the world, especially through partners who share our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence,” Roque said in meeting with PPIH officials in Tokyo.
PPIH expressed strong interest in increasing the visibility of Filipino-made goods, both as branded exports and as components of Japanese-packaged products customized for international markets.
Key sourcing interests identified by PPIH include food and wellness items, eco-friendly home goods and culturally distinctive lifestyle products.
The company also expressed its intent to engage directly with Philippine exporters and manufacturers to discover high-potential, trend-driven offerings.
PPIH executives acknowledged that while launching a Don Quijote (Donki) store in the Philippines is a long-term consideration, the establishment of a strong sourcing partnership with the Philippine government and exporters could meaningfully influence their decision to include the Philippines in their regional expansion roadmap.
Roque underscored the country’s growing export capacity and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support Japanese investors by connecting them with globally competitive Philippine suppliers.
The dialogue also explored ways to navigate regulatory and packaging requirements, facilitating smoother integration of Philippine goods into foreign retail environments.
Supported by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo, the DTI said it continues to pursue strategic alliances that promote Filipino innovation and entrepreneurship on the global stage.
“As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global economy, we are guided by a core belief: alone we can do so little, but together, we can do so much,” Roque said.