The Philippines is expected to attract more agri-business investments from Japan, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

In a media interview while en route to his five-day working visit to Japan, the chief executive said his trip would open more agri-business markets in the “Land of the Rising Sun.”

“Well, number one, that opens up hindi lamang the usual exchange of technology, but that’s an important part of it, but also investment in agriculture and hopefully opening markets in Japan for our agricultural products,” the President said referring to key deals expected to be signed between the Philippines and Japan, which include an agreement in agricultural cooperation.

The President also said he would be holding meetings with various officials and business leaders in Japan to seal more investments and forge business relations.

“So that’s a very wide-ranging discussion. So yes, we hope to do a lot on that regard para ma-accelerate ‘yung ating agricultural development,” the President told mediamen.

President Marcos left for Tokyo on Wednesday noon for a five-day official visit to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako as well as other top officials, and to forge closer bilateral ties.

Japan is the only country with which the Philippines has a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) called the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement or JPEPA.

In 2021, Japan was the Philippines’ second largest trading partner as well as the third largest export market and second top source of imports. #