IBPAP Trade Mission Boosts Philippine-Japan Business Ties

The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), successfully concluded a high-impact business mission to Japan.

The mission aimed at strengthening business ties and fostering collaborative opportunities between the two countries.

The four-day mission was held from October 22-25, 2024.

It showcased the Philippines’ global standing as the second-largest provider of Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) services.

The initiative included visits to top Japanese firms and active participation in major industry events, such as Japan IT Week and the HDI Conference.

IBPAP President and CEO Jack Madrid emphasized the strategic importance of these engagements.

“By strengthening partnerships with other nations, we are further positioning the Philippines as an investment hub for IT-BPM services, creating more opportunities for investment, growth, and innovation that will benefit not only the IT-BPM sector but also the entire Philippine economy,” Madrid said.

A key event was the Philippine IT-BPM Business Forum, where IBPAP Chief Operating Officer Celeste Ilagan highlighted the country’s unique strengths as an investment destination.

Ilagan’s presentation underscored the competitive advantages of the Philippine IT-BPM sector, focusing on its robust talent pool, cultural compatibility, and cost-effectiveness.

The forum included a business-to-business (B2B) matching session that connected Philippine delegates with over 50 representatives from various Japanese companies and industries.

This networking session opened new opportunities for potential partnerships and collaborations.

Fourteen leading Philippine IT-BPM companies participated in the mission.

Participating companies included Accenture, ActionLabs, Alliance Software, Asticom, AWS, BCS Technology, CXI Services, Inc., Exist Software Labs, Inc., Inspiro, SGV, TechShake, Tsukiden Global Solutions, Inc., TTEC, and Weserv Systems International, Inc.

IBPAP, as the leading association for the IT-BPM industry in the Philippines, plays a crucial role in driving the sector’s growth.

The association has over 400 member companies and six partner associations.

IBPAP acts as a vital liaison between the industry, government, and academia to ensure the sector’s global competitiveness.

The mission was organized in collaboration with key stakeholders, including Tatak Pinoy, the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), the Board of Investment (BOI), HDI-Japan, and TechShake.

Through such missions, the Philippines solidifies its position as a top global IT-BPM destination.

The country strengthens economic ties with international partners like Japan, ensuring sustained growth and innovation in the sector.