On December 7, 2022, Mr. Tereso O. Panga, Deputy Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and his delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Osaka Business Development Agency (OBDA). This visit was accompanied by Mr. Michael Alfred V. Ignacio, Commercial Counsellor and Director of The Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Osaka, Consulate General of the Philippines.
     Mr. Tereso O. Panga emphasized that Japan is the most important partner for PEZA, as investment from Japan is increasing even in the face of COVID-19. He also mentioned that he would like to continue promoting the economic zones many incentives, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises.
     Since 2002, he has been involved in PEZA on policy planning and eco-zone development etc as a key player. The number of registered companies has exceeded 4,000 during this period, and the number of Japanese companies using the service has also increased significantly to over 1,000 companies.
     OBDA also expects the potential growth of the Philippine market in the future, especially population growth, affinity for Japan, business English, etc., and would like to support for investment and trade promotion of companies in Osaka.