PH Secures Japan Partnerships to Boost High-Tech Industry

TOKYO—The Philippines has strengthened its position as a global high-tech manufacturing hub by securing strategic partnerships with Japanese industry leaders.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque met with executives from Ibiden Co., Ltd. and Nidec Corporation on March 3, securing commitments to integrate the country further into the global supply chain for advanced electronics and precision manufacturing.

“The Philippines is taking bold steps to position itself as a global hub for advanced electronics and precision manufacturing. Our partnerships with industry leaders like Ibiden and Nidec accelerate our push for cutting-edge innovation, strengthen our semiconductor and high-tech manufacturing ecosystem, and generate high-value employment,” Roque said.

She added that expanding industrial capabilities will create a “future-ready economy that is competitive, resilient, and deeply integrated into the global supply chain.”

Ibiden: Expanding semiconductor leadership in the Philippines

Secretary Roque and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Frederick D. Go engaged in high-level discussions with senior executives of Ibiden Co. Ltd., a global leader in advanced substrate technologies and a key supplier to industry giants like Nvidia and Intel. With a significant global market share in critical semiconductor components, Ibiden’s existing Philippine operations, which contribute substantially to the country’s total exports, are pivotal to the nation’s economy.

“We welcome Ibiden’s strategic plans to further advance its operations in the Philippines. Their expansion will not only enhance our semiconductor ecosystem but also attract further high-value investments, reinforcing our role in the global supply chain,” Secretary Roque emphasized.

Ibiden’s 25-year presence in the Philippines highlights the country’s growing strength as a premier destination for high-value semiconductor manufacturing. As the only substrate manufacturing facility in the Philippines and the first in Southeast Asia, Ibiden holds a critical position in the global semiconductor supply chain.

“Ibiden’s operations in the Philippines are a testament to the country’s capabilities in advanced electronics manufacturing. Their role as a key supplier to industry leaders like Intel reinforces the Philippines’ strategic importance as a hub for the global semiconductor and electronics industry, aligning perfectly with the government’s vision,” noted Special Trade Representative (STR) Dita Angara-Mathay, lead officer in DTI’s field office in Japan.

Nidec: Driving robotics and precision manufacturing growth

In a parallel development, Secretary Roque met with officials of Nidec Corporation, where she expressed her optimism over potential expansion in the Philippines. Notably, the Philippines already plays a crucial role in Nidec’s global gearbox production, contributing a substantial portion of their market share.

“Nidec’s potential expansion, particularly in support of their growing robotics projects, will generate high-quality employment and attract significant foreign capital. This will solidify the Philippines as a key player in the high-tech manufacturing landscape,” said Secretary Roque.

SAPIEA Go added, “The rapid advancements in AI have ushered in a new era for humanoid robotics, with surging demand across major markets like China, the US, Europe, and Japan. Nidec’s leadership in precision automation and their continued investment in this sector underscores the immense potential of high-tech manufacturing in the Philippines.”

The Philippines remains a strong contender for Nidec’s expansion, thanks to our highly skilled, loyal, and adaptable workforce. “With a supportive investment environment and a government committed to fostering innovation, we are confident that the country can play a vital role in the future of robotics and AI-driven industries,” added STR Angara-Mathay.

The expansion is expected to support Nidec’s growing robotics project, which requires more gearboxes per unit, driving demand and generate high-quality employment.

Boosting innovation and economic growth

The meetings with Ibiden Co., Ltd. and Nidec are set to bolster the country’s standing in the global technology and manufacturing landscape. The partnerships secured during these high-level meetings in Tokyo are expected to drive investment and job creation in advanced manufacturing.

“Engaging with industry leaders like Ibiden and Nidec on platforms like these is crucial in advancing the Philippines’ role in high-tech manufacturing. These strategic dialogues open doors for investment, technology transfer, and collaboration, reinforcing our position in the global supply chain and driving innovation-led growth,” stated STR Angara-Mathay.

Secretary Roque concluded, “We are committed to solidifying the Philippines as a hub for high-tech manufacturing and innovation. This is how we build a future-ready, globally competitive Bagong Pilipinas.”

“Our engagement with Ibiden and Nidec is a testament to our strategy of attracting quality investments that create high-value jobs, enhance our industrial capabilities, and ensure long-term economic resilience,” said the trade chief.

Strategic directional guidance was provided by SAPIEA Frederick D. Go during the meeting, which was also attended by Director General Tereso Panga of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, DTI Assistant Secretary Englebert Josef Chua, and DTI Assistant Secretary May Niña Celynne Layug.