Marcos departs for Japan to seek more investments, boost collab in agri, defense

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday departed for Japan for a four-day official visit.

"During my trip, I hope to harness the positive trajectory of our relationship with Japan in all of our enriching engagements," Marcos said in his pre-departure speech.

"This administration is keen on working closely with Japan in forging stability and dynamism to our bilateral relations."

At least seven key agreements are expected to be signed during the visit. These deals are in the areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, infrastructure, agriculture and digital cooperation.

Marcos said his visit "is part of a larger foreign policy agenda to forge closer political ties, stronger defense and security cooperation as well as lasting economic partnerships with major countries in the region."

During his visit, Marcos will have a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and an audience with Emperor Naruhito.

According to Marcos, his delegation will work on strengthening "the bonds of friendship with a close neighbor, like-minded and future-oriented like us in many ways, and a most reliable partner in times of both crises and prosperity."

The Presidential Communications Office said Japan has been a major bilateral trade and official development partner of the Philippines, which is consistent in its commitment to uphold the same values aligned with Manila's economic and development priorities.

Marcos is also expected to hold meetings with Japanese business leaders to promote trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines. He is also hoping to bring home agreements that will be essential in the country's economic transformation.

"In these meetings, I will be joined by my economic team and key private sector representatives who have been and will be continuously our partners in growing the Philippine economy," Marcos said.  —KBK, GMA Integrated News