Japanese companies are exploring potential investments in the Philippines covering export-oriented manufacturing and AI-driven agricultural technologies, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
One of the firms, Tanita Corporation, is considering the Philippines as a possible site for a new manufacturing facility that could generate around P2 billion in export sales and create about 500 jobs within five years of operations.
The possible investment was discussed during Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official visit to Japan, where Philippine economic officials met with Tanita executives and partner firms.
According to the DTI, Tanita is evaluating several Asean locations for its proposed “Factory No. 3,” which would complement its existing manufacturing facilities in Japan and China.
The planned facility would handle parts processing, assembly, and inspection, and would supply products to markets in Japan, Europe, the Americas, and other parts of Asia.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary Cristina Roque said the project aligns with the government’s push to attract higher-value manufacturing investments.
“Tanita represents the type of forward-looking and innovation-driven investor that the Philippines is actively seeking to attract. Their investment will support our broader goal of positioning the Philippines as a competitive regional hub for high-value manufacturing, wellness technologies, and preventive healthcare-related industries,” Roque said.
Philippine officials highlighted the country’s electronics assembly and precision manufacturing capabilities, as well as investment incentives under the CREATE MORE Act, during discussions with the Japanese firm.
Separately, Japanese agri-tech company E-SupportLink Ltd. said it is interested in expanding AI- and drone-based agricultural technologies in the Philippines’ banana industry.
The company is currently working with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Science and Technology, and banana industry groups in Mindanao to test technologies aimed at improving plantation management.
The project uses drones, AI-assisted image analysis, and digital monitoring systems to help detect plant diseases earlier, particularly Fusarium infections that can severely damage banana crops.
According to the DTI, the technology could allow farmers to monitor plantations in real time, identify affected areas faster, and improve operational efficiency.
Roque said the project could help strengthen the country’s banana industry after the Philippines regained its position as the world’s second-largest banana exporter in 2025.
“This project will directly benefit our farmers, especially smallholder growers and agricultural communities by introducing AI- and drone-enabled solutions. It will also improve productivity, strengthen disease monitoring, reduce operational challenges, and support more sustainable livelihoods for millions of Filipino farmers who depend on the banana industry,” she said.
The discussions also covered the possible use of AI-enabled agricultural technologies for other crops such as coconut, cacao, and pineapple, as well as broader cooperation in agricultural digitalization and AI-driven logistics.
No final investment commitments have been announced for either project, with discussions and evaluations still ongoing.
