Marubeni commits to increasing investments in renewable energy, water, transportation in PH

TOKYO — Japanese firm Marubeni has reaffirmed its commitment to the country’s renewable energy, water, and transportation sectors during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s official visit here.

In a statement on Saturday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos met with Marubeni officials led by its chief executive officer, Masumi Kakinoki.

"Now, in addition to the traditional generation system, we are very much committed to increasing renewable energy like mini hydro, solar, and wind projects, and we are discussing with your country, our local partner, how to develop such facilities," Kakinoki said.

The Japanese business leader said the firm has also been leading the charge in "providing water in the communities in the western part of Metropolitan Manila."

"So, we’re very happy to be involved in this project also," said Kakinoki, who also pledged to step up its partnership with the Philippine government in infrastructure-related business.

Kakinoki expressed gratitude to Marcos for the solid partnership and the chance to help more Filipinos by providing jobs and business opportunities.

"We are very grateful to have [been] given such an opportunity to be involved in the basic infrastructure of your country," he said.

Marcos, meanwhile, mentioned Marubeni’s "very, very high" profile in the Philippines.

"And we remember the many important infrastructure, energy, even agricultural products that Marubeni was involved in," the President said.

The Philippines' relationship with Marubeni extends beyond the corporate and government-to-government partnerships, Marcos added.

"It’s a long-standing friendship, I think, at a very personal level," he said. — VBL, GMA Integrated News