Japan to support Phl’s fourth industrial revolution

MANILA, Philippines —  Japan, the Philippines’ second largest trading partner in 2016 and its biggest assistance provider, has committed to prepare the country for the “fourth industrial revolution,” a trade official said.

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said the Philippines secured Japan’s backing in engaging in more cooperation activities that would prepare the country for the so-called Industry 4.0 following the ASEAN Economic Ministers and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry meeting Saturday afternoon.

Rodolfo said cooperation activities would include capacity-building initiatives geared toward micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“This will better enable MSMEs to understand and utilize the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies, making them more competitive and boost their participation in global value chains,” Rodolfo said.

Industry 4.0 refers to current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies.

Japanese companies are among the biggest investors in the country’s economic zones, particularly those administered by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Last March, Japan’s seven major trading houses, collectively known as sogo shosha, have expressed interest to invest up to P198.5 billion in various sectors of the economy.

Aside from these, investment commitments worth P25 billion from Japanese firms like Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. and Ichijo Co. Ltd. have been made.