Japanese firms plan Philippine expansions after PEZA mission

Several Japanese companies have committed to expanding their Philippine operations after a two-week investment mission led by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and developer Science Park of the Philippines Inc. (SPPI), the agency said.

Yamaichi Electronics will build a new facility in SPPI's Light Industry and Science Park IV in Batangas, with completion targeted for the second half of 2028. Ajinomoto discussed adding facilities in Tarlac. Taiyo Yuden outlined future expansion plans. Tamiya Corp., which runs its only global manufacturing plant in the Philippines, reaffirmed confidence in the country as a production base.

PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said the mission allowed direct engagement with investors. "Japan remains one of PEZA's most important and longstanding investment partners," he said. As of 2025, the agency hosts 744 Japanese companies with cumulative investments exceeding P840 billion and more than 300,000 direct jobs.

The mission built on momentum from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s state visit to Japan. PEZA-registered firms there announced roughly P60 billion in expansion projects expected to generate about 10,300 jobs.

Talks covered manufacturing, electronics, medical devices, automotive, and agribusiness. Kenko Tokina and KAPCO Manufacturing participated, as did Daito Corp. The three discussed logistics support and investment opportunities in PEZA ecozones.

SPPI is one of the Philippines' largest private ecozone developers. It hosts tenants from the Fortune 1000 and Forbes Global 2000 across nearly 1,500 hectares. Its parks are known for planned infrastructure and sustainable features.

Yamaichi's Batangas facility is the most concrete near-term milestone among the expansion plans.