Marcos off to Japan to secure investment, trade pledges

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. left for Japan on Tuesday seeking new trade, investment and infrastructure commitments as Manila looks to cushion its economy from geopolitical shocks and volatile global energy markets.

The four-day state visit signals a push to deepen economic ties with the Philippines’ biggest development partner while expanding cooperation in security and strategic sectors.

Mr. Marcos said Manila expects to sign agreements covering trade, investment and maritime cooperation, alongside new initiatives tied to defense and strategic alignment.

“I will be actively cultivating collaboration in priority areas that we have identified together, such as agriculture, energy and decarbonization, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, infrastructure, defense and security, space technology, and also the development of Mindanao,” Mr. Marcos said in a pre-departure speech.

The visit seeks to translate longstanding development financing from Tokyo into expanded private capital flows and project execution in the Philippines.

Philippine officials plan meetings with Japanese business leaders and Filipino executives to promote investment opportunities across infrastructure, energy and manufacturing.

Manila is also seeking to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce exposure to external shocks, particularly from elevated energy prices and regional instability that have weighed on import costs and transport flows. Economic managers view Japan as a key anchor investor that can sustain long-term funding pipelines.

The Philippines has received extensive Japanese development support under its flagship infrastructure program, including the Metro Manila Subway project, the North-South Commuter Railway and the rehabilitation of Metro Rail Transit Line 3.

Japanese assistance has also extended to connectivity and development initiatives in Mindanao, including projects in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The state visit coincides with the 70^th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Manila and Tokyo, a milestone both governments are using to expand their “strengthened strategic partnership.”

Japan remains the Philippines’ biggest source of official development assistance and a major foreign investor in large-scale transport and urban infrastructure.

Security and defense cooperation are also set to feature prominently in talks. Both sides are expected to discuss maritime coordination in the South China Sea, broader coordination within Association of Southeast Asian Nations and engagement with the US under trilateral security frameworks.

Mr. Marcos is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, marking their fourth engagement since late 2025, alongside discussions with Japanese industry groups focused on infrastructure, energy transition and technology investment.

Japan was the first country to conclude a bilateral free trade agreement with the Philippines under the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, a framework Manila is now seeking to expand through updated investment and trade arrangements.

Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara will serve as government caretakers during Mr. Marcos’ absence. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana